2000 HBOC Bird Report

Home , Dingo Creek, Liddell Power Station

2000 BIRD REPORT

The Hunter Bird Observers Club Inc. (HBOC) has produced this annual record of the birds of the Hunter Region of NSW. The aims of HBOC are: • To encourage and further the study and conservation of Australian birds and their habitat • To encourage bird observing as a leisure time activity

HBOC holds monthly meetings and organises regular mid-week and weekend outings, and occasional camps. Beginners and more experienced birdwatchers are equally catered for by the range of activities that is provided. All HBOC members receive a regular newsletter and have access to a comprehensive range of books, tapes, CDs and videocassettes about Australian and world birdlife that are available for loan. Membership categories are Single, Family and Junior, and applications for membership are welcomed at any time.

HBOC can be contacted by telephone on (02) 4958 5942 and at either the postal or Web addresses below. For more information, or to make an e-mail contact, the club's Website is located at: http://users.hunterlink.net.au/hboc/home.htm

Copies of this report, at $10.00 each plus $1.50 for postage and handling (for 1-3 copies), may be obtained from: The Secretary Hunter Bird Observers Club Inc. P.O. Box 24 New Lambton NSW 2305

Cover photograph: Pacific Baza Aviceda subcristata (photographer: Nick Livanos)

Date of Issue: September 5, 2000 ISSN: 1322-5332

Editor: Alan Stuart

CONTENTS

Page FOREWORD INTRODUCTION 1 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR 3 SYSTEMATIC LIST 5 Introduction 5 Birds 6 SUPPLEMENTARY RECORDS 60 UNCONFIRMED RECORDS 60 CORRECTIONS AND CHANGES 61 ESCAPEES 62 LOCATION ABBREVIATIONS 62 GRID REFERENCES FOR COMMON LOCATIONS 63 OBSERVER CODES 64 THE HUNTER REGION 66

FOREWORD

I feel honoured to be asked to write the Foreword for this, the 8th Annual Bird Report of Hunter Bird Observers Club. It brings back memories of my attempt, during the 1980's, to establish a list of all the bird species reported in the Hunter Region. At that time information was available to me from the lists compiled at Club outings and camps, from individual observations, from sightings reported in Newsletters and Journals of other NSW Bird Clubs, and from "Hunter Natural History", the journal of the former Newcastle Flora & Fauna Protection Society, our parent group. The data was recorded by hand on a card system, an approach that appears quite clumsy by comparison with the electronic standards of the present day. And yet, over the subsequent years these records have proved their worth as a source of reference on many occasions. So in a sense, they could be regarded as the forerunner of the Annual Bird Reports. Past records, as we all would agree, are invaluable in assessing the continuance or loss of certain species, and over time they tell the story of the changing environment in which we are living. And so it will be as future generations look back on the Annual Bird Reports of our club. Some of the pioneer birdwatchers of the Hunter Region must have compiled priceless personal lists. Men such as Jim Gray, Albert Gwynne, Athol D'Ombrain, Lindsay Hyem, Pat Bourke contributed mightily to ornithological knowledge in the Hunter, but sadly, not all their observations were published, and with their demise these have been lost. All of which emphasises the importance of, and the need for, the continuance of Hunter Bird Observers Club's backing of these Annual Bird Reports. This publication, as must be obvious to all, is a massive undertaking, and all members who submitted contributions deserve our thanks for their support. I applaud the work of the Records Appraisal Committee in its role of assessing reports of unusual sightings. A commendable, if onerous task, attempting to preserve the integrity of the contents, and so make this a reliable reference source for posterity. Finally, all this information has to be collated and recorded with appropriate comments by the chief architect – Alan Stuart. Alan has been involved with all eight publications, and must be commended for his methodical approach and dedicated industry. My congratulations to all concerned, and my best wishes for the continued success of the Club and this venture.

E.L. Hamonet* June 25, 2001

*Ed Hamonet pioneered the collation and documentation of Hunter Region bird records, which culminated in the 1987 presentation to Hunter Bird Observers Club of his monograph A Checklist of Birds of the Hunter Region. For this and many other contributions, Ed was elected an Honorary Life Member of HBOC in 1999.

INTRODUCTION

In this Report, produced by Hunter Bird Observers Club Inc. (HBOC), we present a summary of the status of bird species within the Hunter Region of NSW during the year 2000. The information is based upon observation records which we have gathered from a variety of sources. The 2000 Report describes the regional status of 376 bird species, including 334 species that were recorded during the year. There are 11 additions to the 1999 species list – Northern Giant-Petrel, Providence Petrel, Antarctic Prion, Fairy Prion, Black Petrel, Streaked Shearwater, Hutton’s Shearwater, Wandering Albatross, Wilson’s Storm-Petrel, Black-tailed Native-hen and Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater. Breeding records for 131 species are described, of the total of 214 species that have been confirmed to have bred within the Region in the past 10 years. The information about seabirds in the 2000 Bird Report has been significantly bolstered by some pelagic surveys that were conducted by HBOC in the latter half of the year. The surveys, departing from Swansea and travelling >60km south- east, to the edge of the continental shelf and sometimes slightly beyond, were very fruitful. It has been decided to include the results of these surveys (which are planned to continue in future years) into these Reports – partly so that some significant ornithological records are not lost. Consequently, for this and the future Reports, we have modified the definition of the Hunter Region to reflect an extension of the boundaries of the area over which records apply. The Hunter Region is defined now as: • The area managed by local government authorities for Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Cessnock, Muswellbrook, Merriwa, Singleton, Scone, Murrurundi, Dungog, Gloucester, Port Stephens, Greater Taree and Great Lakes, and • The ocean to the east of that area, extending to the edge of the continental shelf. The philosophies that we use when preparing Reports remain as were described in the 1996 Report: • The overall list of species will include all species which, since 1987, are confirmed by HBOC to have been present in the Region. Records of rare species from before 1987 mostly would be difficult to confirm, due to the amount of time that has elapsed since the observation. At present, HBOC does not propose to review the earlier records. • The status description for each species is to be subject to regular review, with the aim of ensuring that the description reflects the current situation. For any year, the main indication of the then-current Hunter Region birdlife will come from considering the status descriptions of the listed species. • All records will be vetted and no record will be accepted for inclusion into the Reports unless HBOC is convinced of its validity. Information about the records appraisal scheme is presented below.

• Breeding status will be assigned to a species only if definite evidence to this effect has been provided. If there have been no breeding records for a species for 10 or more years, the breeding status will be reviewed. To assist in vetting records, we have classified each species into one of three categories, as described below. The classification reflects, in part, the frequency of reporting. Category 1: all records for the species generally are accepted. Category 2: records usually are accepted, but supporting information may be required in the event of unusual numbers, location or season. Category 3: the species is considered to be of special interest in relation to the Region, and supporting information is required before any record can be accepted for inclusion into the Report. A Records Appraisal Committee assigns these categories and decides whether each record can be accepted. In 2000, the RAC members were Sue Hamonet, Jeanette Stephenson, Ann Lindsey, Wilma Barden and Jim Imrie. More recently, Fred van Gessel, Terry Lindsey and Phil Hansbro have joined the RAC and have assisted in reviewing this Report. The value of the Bird Report is overwhelmingly due to the small army of observers who submitted records of what they saw during the year. Whether the records were made as a one-off casual observation or as part of a regular and thorough survey program they all have been important in helping to continue to build the picture of birdlife in the Hunter Region. Thanks very much to all the contributors. Alan Stuart July 8, 2001

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR

The highlights for 2000 included the following: • King Quail Coturnix chinensis at Arrowfield Feb, Mar and May • Freckled Duck Stictonetta naevosa at Kooragang Island Feb-Mar • Australian Shelduck Tadorna tadornoides at Tarro Sep 17 • Numerous pelagic birds of many species during surveys in the latter part of the year, including: - Southern Giant-Petrel Macronectes giganteus - Northern Giant-Petrel Macronectes halli - Cape Petrel Daption capense - Great-winged Petrel Pterodroma macroptera - Providence Petrel Pterodroma solandri - Antarctic Prion Pachyptila desolata - Fairy Prion Pachyptila turtur - Black Petrel Procellaria parkinsoni - Buller's Shearwater Puffinus bulleri - Hutton’s Shearwater Puffinus huttoni - Wandering Albatross Diomedea exulans - Shy Albatross Diomedea cauta - Wilson’s Storm-Petrel Oceanites oceanicus - White-faced Storm-Petrel Pelagodroma marina • Streaked Shearwater Calonectris leucomelas off Nobbys Head Mar 25 • Black Bittern Ixobrychus flavicollis at Rathmines Feb 13, KI Mar 9 and Paterson River Oct • Black Falcon Falco subniger – several records from the west of the Region • Black-tailed Native-hen Gallinula ventralis at Pambalong N.R. from Dec 28 onwards • Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola at Pambalong N.R. Feb/Mar and Dec • Sanderling Calidris alba at Stockton Aug and Nov and Harrington Dec • Bush Stone-curlew Burhinus grallarius at Swan Bay Oct 14 • Beach Stone-curlew Esacus neglectus at Harrington several times including breeding there • Banded Stilt Cladorhynchus leucocephalus at Swan Bay Oct and at Kooragang Island Nov-Dec • Banded Lapwing Vanellus tricolor near Morpeth and at Medowie, Dec • Pomarine Jaeger Stercorarius pomarinus at Newcastle Harbour Mar and during pelagic surveys • Swift Parrot Lathamus discolor – approx 100 birds in Hunter Region during Jun • Black-eared Cuckoo Chrysococcyx osculans at Lake Liddell Oct 26 • Pilotbird Pycnoptilus floccosus at Mellong Ranges Dec 2 (a range extension for this species)

• Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater Acanthagenys rufogularis at Waratah Feb 8 • Regent Honeyeater Xanthomyza phrygia – several records over Jun-Aug with a peak count of 63 birds • Barred Cuckoo-shrike Coracina lineata at Harrington Jan 14 • Ground Cuckoo-shrike Coracina maxima near Sandy Hollow Nov 2 • Singing Bushlark Mirafra javanica near Wollar Oct 27 • First breeding records for the Region for: Russet-tailed Thrush Zoothera heinei and Common Blackbird Turdus merula • First breeding records for 15 years or more for: Little Eagle Hieraaetus morphnoides, White-headed Pigeon Columba leucomela, Common Bronzewing Phaps chalcoptera, Bar-shouldered Dove Geopelia humeralis, Brown-headed Honeyeater Melithreptus brevirostris and Little Grassbird Megalurus gramineus

SYSTEMATIC LIST INTRODUCTION Bird species are listed in taxonomic order; the order and nomenclature follows that of Christidis and Boles in the 1994 RAOU publication The Taxonomy and Species of Birds of Australia and its Territories (ISBN 0815-2233). Definitions of the terms used in status descriptions for the listed species in the Report are as follows: Resident: Recorded in all months; Migrant: Species that come to an area for a period and then depart; Bird of passage: Species present in a suitable area for a relatively short period, and equally likely to be observed in any month of the year; Common: Species that one can expect to find on all visits to suitable habitats; Usual: Equally likely to be found in suitable habitats, but not on all visits; Uncommon: Species that are recorded infrequently on visits to suitable habitats; Local: Species recorded in only a few favoured localities; Rare: Species recorded only a few times a year; Accidental: Species recorded less than once per year, over a 10 year average. For many of the species, a general statement about typical distribution and count size is provided as part of the Status description. In these cases, only notable exceptions to this overall description of Status are considered for inclusion into the main body of the Report. Breeding status is also indicated for each species. For species with no confirmed breeding records for 10 or more years, the breeding status is described as Past records. Where a species is anticipated to breed in the Region but there are no confirmed records, the description None recorded has been used. A considerable proportion of records received indicate abundance levels for the species observed by using the following categories: A = 1-5 birds present; B = 6- 20 birds; C = 21-50 birds; D = 51-100 birds; E = 100+ birds. Commentaries in this Report are mostly based upon abundance levels reported in this way, although many observers report precise numbers (and we encourage this).

The format for the reported observations generally includes reference to an observer code and to a location (or a location abbreviation). The relevant grid number (e.g. F7) is also cited, except for the more common locations which are listed later in the Report. Observer codes and location abbreviations are also provided later in the Report. A semi-quantitative measure of the number of observations of a species for the year is indicated by the progressive terms: occasionally; moderately often; often; frequently; regularly. Where there are fewer than 10-12 observations for the year, all of them are reported. An ID number is provided with each listed species – this is a unique identifier that does not change even though the scientific and/or common name for the species

may do so. The ID number corresponds to that assigned to the species under the Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme.

BIRDS

Emu Dromaius novaehollandiae ID No: 001 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: None recorded Status: Local resident in W of Region. Birds were recorded twice in Goulburn River N.P. – five birds in cell D7 Sep 8 (STA) and three birds in cell C6 Oct 4 (SMJ).

Australian Brush-turkey Alectura lathami ID No: 008 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident. Some birds were recorded at Tabbil Forest (M7) Feb 26 (HBOC), Wingham Brush Mar 18 (MVBW) and Sleepy Hollow Trail (N7) Apr 30 (MOA). Also, some birds were at BbR Aug 15 and had built a mound there (ROD).

Stubble Quail Coturnix pectoralis ID No: 009 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: None recorded Status: Rare. At least two birds were seen or heard daily at Fosterton Loop (M7) over Jan 2-16, and a single bird was also recorded there Sep 30 (JED).

Brown Quail Coturnix ypsilophora ID No: 011 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident. Moderately often recorded, mostly as counts of up to 10 birds. Notable records: 10 birds were recorded at Ash Island Feb 28 (BAR), 14 birds at Wyee Point Mar 17 & 26 (MDV), 15 birds at Howes Valley May 13 (NES) and 16 birds at Arrowfield May 22 (via ALP).

King Quail Coturnix chinensis ID No: 012 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: None recorded Status: Rare, possibly overlooked Four birds were recorded at Arrowfield Feb 23 and May 18, and two birds there Mar 28 (SAD). On May 18, one bird was taken by a Brown Falcon Falco berigora.

Magpie Goose Anseranas semipalmata ID No: 199 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Local resident. Often recorded at TWC and adjacent wetlands (especially NWR and Market Swamp) as counts of up to 50 birds. Notable records: 52 birds were recorded at TWC Jul 9 (TAN) and 68 birds there Aug 6 (BAW). 1-5 birds were at Seaham Swamp N.R. Apr 10 (TAN) and in the Harrington area Dec 1/3 (OCG), and 6-10 birds at Minmi Swamp (L10) early Mar (CCFOC/LIA) and Aug 8 (MAM) and Cundletown (R4) early Oct (LAM/MVBW). Birds were with chicks at TWC Jan 3 (GOD), Minmi Feb 12 (MOA) and Antennae Marsh (M10) Nov 7 (WMR).

Plumed Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna eytoni ID No: 205 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Bird of passage. 32 birds were recorded at Pambalong N.R. Mar 19 (ROS), 44 birds at Rathluba Lagoon (L9) Apr 17 (ROS) and 80+ birds at Doughboy Hollow (J8) May 20 (ROS). Nine birds were at Lansdowne Road (R3) Nov 1 (MVBW), and 1-5 birds at TWC Feb 25 (WCR), Hannam Vale (R3) Apr 15 (MVBW), BbR during Sep/Oct (several records) and Pambalong N.R. Dec 26 (LIA).

Wandering Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna arcuata ID No: 204 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Local resident and bird of passage. Around 50 birds were recorded at TWC Jan 3 (GOD) and Market Swamp Oct 28 (BIA). Lesser numbers, usually <10 birds, were often at TWC throughout Jan-Mar and Oct-Dec, while approx. 60 birds were there Apr 16 (TAN). 10-20 birds were recorded at nearby wetlands at Ash Island Mar 5 (CBOC), University of Newcastle Jun 18 (TAN) and Market Swamp Nov 8 (LIA). Eight birds were at Dungog Jan 6 (JED) and there were several records of 1-5 birds in the E of the Region. A pair was with two chicks at KI Feb 27 (BIA) and birds also were breeding at Antennae Marsh (M10) Nov (WMR).

Blue-billed Duck Oxyura australis ID No: 216 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: Past records Status: Accidental. Not recorded since 1989.

Musk Duck Biziura lobata ID No: 217 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Local resident. 1-5 birds were moderately often recorded in the E of the Region, including several times through the year at WWW. Seven birds were at Grahamstown Dam Apr 10 (TAN).

Freckled Duck Stictonetta naevosa ID No: 214 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Rare (Revised from: Accidental). At least five birds were recorded at a deep freshwater pond on KI over Feb 27 to Mar 10 (CBOC, NBL, BIA).

Black Swan Cygnus atratus ID No: 203 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common resident. Widely and regularly recorded as counts of up to 20 birds at medium to large waters. Notable records: 720 birds were recorded at Pambalong N.R. Jul 4 (LIA) and 100+ birds at lower Myall River (P8) Feb 12 (LAK) and Belmont Lagoon Jul 18 (TAN). 51-100 birds were at Lenaghans Drive swamp (L10) Feb 12 (MOA), Tarro Jun 6 (HBOC), Swan Bay Oct 15 (HWS) and Pambalong N.R. Dec 28 (NIJ). There were a further ten records of 20+ birds, all from the E of the Region. Numerous breeding records were received, spanning May-Oct.

Australian Shelduck Tadorna tadornoides ID No: 207 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Accidental. Two birds were recorded at Tarro Sep 17 (GIK).

Australian Wood Duck Chenonetta jubata ID No: 202 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common resident. Widely and regularly recorded as counts of up to 20 birds at or near fresh to brackish waters. Notable records: 50+ birds were at Testers Hollow (K9) Sep 11 (HBOC) and Waitui Sep 30/Oct 2 (HBOC), and 21-50 birds were moderately often recorded. Several breeding records were received, for Feb and Sep/Oct and including a report of a pair with 23 young at Warners Bay (L10) Oct 10 (WMR).

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos ID No: 948 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Local resident. 1-5 birds were recorded at Tarro Jun 6 and WWW Jun 25 (both HBOC) and Pambalong N.R. Dec 31 (OCG), and also often at BbR (STA).

Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa ID No: 208 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common resident. Widely and regularly recorded as counts of up to 20 birds at small to large waters. Notable records: 50+ birds were recorded at Pambalong N.R. Dec 28 (NIJ), and 21-50 birds at TWC Jan 4 (KEM), Stockton Feb 1 (HBOC), Lenaghans Drive swamp (L10) Feb 12 (MOA), Stockrington Rd (L10) Feb 12 (MOA), Pambalong N.R. Feb 12, Mar 11 and Dec 10 (MOA, HLC, HBOC), Bolwarra Wetlands Feb 14 & 21 (BPS) and Tarro Jun 6 (HBOC). Birds had young at Congewai (J10) May 21, Apple Tree Flat Jun 10/12 and Waitui Sep 30/Oct 2 (all HBOC records), and at TWC during Oct (ROD, BIA).

Australasian Shoveler Anas rhynchotis ID No: 212 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Local resident and bird of passage. Occasionally recorded at medium to large fresh waters in the E and central parts of the Region, mostly as 1-5 birds but with counts of up 10 birds not uncommon. Notable records: 18 birds were recorded at KI Mar 10 (BAR), 13 birds at Pambalong N.R. Jun 13 (ROS) and 12 birds at TWC Feb 25 (WCR).

Grey Teal Anas gracilis ID No: 211 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Usual resident. Often recorded at medium to large waters throughout the Region as counts of up to 10 birds. Notable records: 51-100 birds were recorded at Stockrington Rd (L10) and Lenaghans Drive swamp (L10) Feb 12 (MOA), SBS Feb 13 (HLC) and Ash Island Apr 16 and Oct 19 (GOD, MOA). 21-50 birds were at Bolwarra Wetlands Feb 21 (BPS), Congewai (J10) May 21 (HBOC), Arrowfield Aug 10 (ALP), Pambalong N.R. Oct 3 and Dec 16/17 (HBOC, MOA), Bulga Swamp (I9) Nov 16 (MOA) and Ash Island Dec 17 (MOA). Birds had young at Arrowfield May 10 (ALP) and Seaham Swamp N.R. Sep 24 (HBOC).

Chestnut Teal Anas castanea ID No: 210 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Usual resident. Regularly recorded at medium to large fresh waters in E of the Region as counts of up to 50 birds. Notable records: Many hundreds of birds were often recorded at Ash Island and a nearby deep freshwater pond during Feb-Apr and in Dec, with the peak count being of around 400 birds Dec 9 (several reports). 320 birds were also recorded at SBS Feb 13 (HLC). 51-100 birds were at TWC Jan 4 and May 15 (KEM, ROD), Stockton Feb 1 (HBOC), Lenaghans Drive swamp (L10) Feb 12 (MOA), Pambalong N.R. Oct 3 and Dec 10 (HBOC) and Ash Island Oct 14 (HWS). Birds had young at Toronto Wetland (L11) Oct 9 (HLC) and TWC Nov 23 (ROD).

Garganey Anas querquedula ID No: 209 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Accidental (recorded in 1993). No reports received for 2000.

Pink-eared Duck Malacorhynchus membranaceus ID No: 213 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Bird of passage. 1-5 birds were recorded at TWC Jan 4, Mar 4, Jul 9 & Oct 21 (KEM, MVBW, CCFOC, WAR), SBS Feb 13 (HLC), KI Mar 5 (CBOC) and Morpeth STP Nov 8 (BIA).

Hardhead Aythya australis ID No: 215 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Past records Status: Usual resident. Widely and moderately often recorded at medium to large waters as counts of up to 10 birds. Notable records: 100+ birds were recorded at Bulga Swamp (I9) Nov 16 (MOA) and 80 birds at Market Swamp Oct 28 (BIA). 20-25 birds were recorded at TWC Sep 1 (ROD) and Burning Mountain N.R. (H4) Oct 23 (NEG),

Australasian Grebe Tachybaptus novaehollandiae ID No: 061 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common resident. Widely and frequently recorded at small to large waters as counts of up to 20 birds. Notable records: 20+ birds were recorded at Tarro Jun 6 (HBOC). There were several breeding records spanning Jan and Sep-Dec.

Hoary-headed Grebe Poliocephalus poliocephalus ID No: 062 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: Past records Status: Bird of passage. Three birds were present at a deep freshwater pond on KI Mar 10 (BAR) and two birds were there Sep 16 (HWS). Single birds were at TWC Jan 30 (CBOC) and WWW Mar 6 (JED).

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus ID No: 060 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Local resident. Three records were received from WWW – 20 birds were there Feb 5 (NBL), 15 birds Mar 6 (JED) and two birds May 6 (TAN). Single birds were recorded at a deep freshwater pond on KI Mar 10 (BAR) and at Bootawa Dam (Q4) Mar 18 (MVBW).

Little Penguin Eudyptula minor ID No: 005 HBOC Category: 1 (Revised) Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Local resident. Two birds were recorded at Nelson Bay (O9) mid Feb (LAK), and birds were heard calling in the Port Stephens area late Feb (VEE). Birds were nesting at Boondelbah Island Mar 23 (BAA). There were four records of injured birds treated by Native Animal Trust Fund, spanning Mar-May.

Southern Giant-Petrel Macronectes giganteus ID No: 929 HBOC Category: 2 (Revised) Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Uncertain (Revised from: Rare). Two birds were recorded on a pelagic survey SE of Swansea Aug 5 (HBOC), and a single immature bird was at Newcastle Baths Oct 2 (ROM).

Northern Giant-Petrel Macronectes halli ID No: 937 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Uncertain (New to list). A single bird was recorded on a pelagic survey SE of Swansea Aug 5 (HBOC).

Cape Petrel Daption capense ID No: 080 HBOC Category: 2 (Revised) Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Winter migrant at >5km from shore (Revised from: Accidental). 26 birds were recorded on a pelagic survey SE of Swansea Aug 5, and single birds on two additional surveys of this area on Oct 8 and Nov 4 (HBOC records).

Tahiti Petrel Pseudobulweria rostrata ID No: 920 HBOC Category: 2 (Revised) Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Uncertain (Revised from: Accidental). No confirmed records since 1997.

Great-winged Petrel Pterodroma macroptera ID No: 075 HBOC Category: 2 (Revised) Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Bird of passage at and beyond the continental shelf (Revised from: Uncertain). Single birds were recorded on pelagic surveys SE of Swansea on Aug 5 and Oct 8, and three birds on the Nov 4 survey (HBOC records).

Providence Petrel Pterodroma solandri ID No: 971 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Winter bird of passage at and beyond the continental shelf (New to list) 19 birds were recorded on a pelagic survey SE of Swansea Aug 5, four birds on the Oct 8 survey and a single bird on the Nov 4 survey (HBOC records).

Gould's Petrel Pterodroma leucoptera ID No: 078 HBOC Category: 2 (Revised) Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Summer migrant at >5km from shore except nocturnally at its breeding grounds (text modified). A single bird was recorded 10km offshore from Newcastle Nov (BAR). The breeding success on Cabbage Tree Island for the 99/00 season was 57% - a very good result. Also, a pair nested on nearby Boondelbah Island. Once again, 100 near-fledged chicks were transferred to Boondelbah Island in March in an attempt to further establish this as a second breeding site. In late 2000, Gould’s Petrel became the first bird in Australia to be downlisted because of conservation action – it is now classified as vulnerable instead of endangered (information sourced from NSW NPWS information bulletin).

Antarctic Prion Pachyptila desolata ID No: 084 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Uncertain (New to list). A single bird was recorded on a pelagic survey SE of Swansea Aug 5 (HBOC).

Fairy Prion Pachyptila turtur ID No: 083 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Winter migrant at >10 km from shore (New to list). A single bird, that later died, was found at The Ruins BBNP Jun 13 (TUD). Eight birds were recorded during a pelagic survey SE of Swansea Aug 5 (HBOC).

Black Petrel Procellaria parkinsonia ID No: 917 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Spring visitor at >10km from shore (New to list). A single bird was recorded on a pelagic survey SE of Swansea Nov 4 (HBOC).

Streaked Shearwater Calonectris leucomelas ID No: 853 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Uncertain (New to list). A single bird was recorded, from land, offshore from Nobbys Head (M10) Mar 26 (LOM). Also see Supplementary Records.

Wedge-tailed Shearwater Puffinus pacificus ID No: 069 HBOC Category: 1 (Revised) Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common summer migrant (Revised from: Summer migrant). Often recorded in flocks of >100 birds during Jan-Mar and Oct-Dec. 3000+ birds were recorded off Stockton Beach/Newcastle Beach Jan 30 (FRP) and around 1000 birds there Feb 26 (STA). A mixed flock with P. tenuirostris of 2000+ birds were off Merewether Beach Oct 31 (ANC). Several hundreds of birds were also recorded off Swansea Mar 1 (BAR) and on pelagic surveys SE of Swansea Oct 8 and Nov 4 (HBOC). Some additional reports were received of lesser numbers present offshore during Feb/mid-Apr.

Buller's Shearwater Puffinus bulleri ID No: 975 HBOC Category: 2 (Revised) Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Uncertain (Revised from: Accidental) A single bird was recorded on a pelagic survey SE of Swansea Oct 8 (HBOC).

Flesh-footed Shearwater Puffinus carneipes ID No: 072 HBOC Category: 1 (Revised) Regional Breeding Status: None recorded Status: Uncommon summer migrant at >1km from shore (Revised from: Rare). Several birds were recorded on a pelagic survey SE of Swansea Oct 8 (HBOC).

Sooty Shearwater Puffinus griseus ID No: 070 HBOC Category: 2 (Revised) Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Uncertain (Revised from: Rare). Single birds were recorded at Newcastle Harbour Jan 11 (LAK) and during a pelagic survey SE of Swansea Oct 8 (HBOC).

Short-tailed Shearwater Puffinus tenuirostris ID No: 071 HBOC Category: 1 (Revised) Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common spring/summer migrant (Revised from: Summer migrant). Often recorded in flocks of >100 birds during Sep-Nov. A mixed flock with P. pacificus of 2000+ birds was recorded off Merewether Beach Oct 31 (ANC), and 100+ birds during pelagic surveys SE of Swansea Oct 8 and Nov 4 (HBOC). Dead birds were found on all coastal beaches in the Region during October, with the numbers estimated to total tens of thousands. Similar mortality levels were noted throughout eastern Australia at this time.

Fluttering Shearwater Puffinus gavia ID No: 068 HBOC Category: 1 (Revised) Regional Breeding Status: No (amended) Status: Bird of passage (text modified). 600+ birds were recorded on a pelagic survey SE of Swansea Nov 4 (HBOC), and several hundreds of birds off Newcastle Baths Jan 22 (FRP) and off Caves Beach Jun 3 (LAK). 1-5 birds were also recorded off Swansea Mar 1 (BAR), and on pelagic surveys SE of Swansea Aug 5 and Oct 8 (HBOC).

Hutton’s Shearwater Puffinus huttoni ID No: 975 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Uncertain (New to list). Single birds were recorded during pelagic surveys SE of Swansea Aug 5 and Nov 4, and two birds on the Oct 8 survey (HBOC records).

Wandering Albatross Diomedea exulans ID No: 086 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Uncommon winter migrant at >5 km from shore. (New to list). Birds were recorded on all three pelagic surveys SE of Swansea – seven birds Aug 5, a single bird Oct 8 and two birds Nov 4 (HBOC records).

Black-browed Albatross Diomedea melanophris ID No: 088 HBOC Category: 1 (Revised) Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Common winter migrant (Revised from: Uncertain). Regularly recorded during Apr-Nov, including from land. Birds were recorded on all three pelagic surveys SE of Swansea – 24 birds Aug 5, 8+ birds Oct 8 and 15 birds Nov 4 (HBOC records). Two birds were also recorded off Caves Beach Jun 3 (LAK).

Shy Albatross Diomedea cauta ID No: 091 HBOC Category: 2 (Revised) Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Winter migrant at >5 km from shore. (Revised from: Rare winter bird of passage about inshore waters). A single bird was recorded on a pelagic survey SE of Swansea Aug 5 (HBOC).

Yellow-nosed Albatross Diomedea chlororhynchos ID No: 089 HBOC Category: 2 (Revised) Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Common winter migrant at >5 km from shore (Revised from: Rare winter bird of passage about inshore waters). 30 birds were recorded on a pelagic survey SE of Swansea Aug 5, and a single bird on the corresponding Nov 4 survey (HBOC records).

Wilson’s Storm-Petrel Oceanites oceanicus ID No: 063 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Uncertain (New to list) 17+ birds were recorded on a pelagic survey SE of Swansea Oct 8, and nine birds on the corresponding Nov 4 survey (HBOC records). Also see Supplementary Records.

White-faced Storm-Petrel Pelagodroma marina ID No: 065 HBOC Category: 2 (Revised) Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Uncertain (Revised from: Rare summer migrant) 8+ birds were recorded on pelagic surveys SE of Swansea on Aug 5 and Oct 8 (HBOC records).

White-tailed Tropicbird Phaethon lepturus ID No: 108 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Accidental. Not recorded since 1994.

Australasian Gannet Morus serrator ID No: 104 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Bird of passage about inshore waters. 1-5 birds, where numbers were noted, were recorded off Broughton Island Feb 17 (LAK), Swansea Mar 1 (BAR), Nobbys Beach Mar 29 (ROS), Harrington May 4 and Dec 1/3 (MVBW, OCG), Caves Beach (L11) Jun 3 (LAK) and Crowdy Head (S4) Sep 9 (TBW), and during pelagic surveys SE of Swansea Aug 5, Oct 8 and Nov 4 (HBOC).

Darter Anhinga melanogaster ID No: 101 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Usual resident. Often recorded at medium to large waters, mostly as counts of 1-2 birds but with records of up to 6 birds not uncommon. Notable records: Birds were nesting at NWR May 29 and Market Swamp Nov 8 (LIA).

Little Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax melanoleucos ID No: 100 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common resident. Widely and regularly recorded at small to large waters, with counts of up to 20 birds often recorded at large waters. Notable records: 300 birds were recorded at Hawks Nest Jan 5 (STP) and 100+ birds at lower Myall River (P8) Feb 12 (LAK). 51-100 birds were at Ash Island Apr 16 (GOD), Harrington Dec 1/3 (OCG) and Pambalong N.R. Dec 28 (NIJ), and 21-50 birds at Swansea Apr 16 (STA) and Wyee Point Sep 5 (HBOC). Birds were nesting at Market Swamp Nov 8 (LIA).

Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius ID No: 099 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Usual coastal resident. Often recorded near to the coast, mostly as counts of 1-5 birds and occasionally in greater numbers. Notable records: 100+ birds were reported to be in the area around Forster early Jun (MVBW), and 21-50 birds were recorded at KINR Jan 22 (HWS), Wyee Point Sep 5 (HBOC) and around Harrington Dec 1/3 (OCG). There were 19 nests at NWR May 20 (LIA).

Little Black Cormorant Phalacrocorax sulcirostris ID No: 097 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common resident. Widely and frequently recorded at medium to large waters, as counts of up to 20 birds. Notable records: 600 birds were recorded at Hawks Nest Jan 5 (STP), and 100+ birds at lower Myall River (P8) Feb 12 (LAK) and Harrington Dec 1/3 (OCG). 20+ birds were present at Wyee Point Sep 5 (HBOC). Approx 50 birds were on nests at Market Swamp Apr 8 (HLC), and birds were again nesting there Nov 8 (LIA).

Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo ID No: 096 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common resident. Widely and often recorded at medium to large waters, mostly as counts of up to 10 birds. Notable records: Hundreds of birds were reported to be in the area around Forster early Jun (MVBW), and 20+ birds were at Harrington Dec 1/3 (OCG). An estimated 21 birds were on nests at NWR May 20 (LIA), and birds were also nest building at TWC mid-May (ROD).

Australian Pelican Pelecanus conspicillatus ID No: 106 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common resident. Widely and regularly recorded at medium to large waters, mainly as counts of up to 20 birds but with greater numbers not uncommon at large waters. Notable records: Around 300 birds were recorded at SBS Mar 16 (OCG), and 100-200 birds at lower Myall River (P8) Feb 12 (LAK), SBS Feb 13 (HLC), Big Snake Island BBNP Mar 5 (TUD) and KINR Mar 19 and Oct 14 (HWS). 51-100 birds were at SBS Jan 20 (FRP), Ash Island Jan 22 (HWS), KINR Feb 19 and Sep 16 (HWS), Hawks Nest/Tea Gardens Apr 16 (OCG), and Harrington Dec 1/3 (OCG). There were 25 nests at Big Snake Island Mar 5.

White-faced Heron Egretta novaehollandiae ID No: 188 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common resident. Widely and regularly recorded, mostly as counts of 1-5 birds except at some favoured habitats. Notable records: High numbers were often recorded at Ash Island, with 51-100 birds there Jan 22, Apr 16 and Dec 17 (HWS, GOD, MOA) and 21-50 birds on several other occasions. Elsewhere, 100+ birds were recorded in the Harrington area Dec 1/3 (OCG), 50+ birds at lower Myall River (P8) Feb 12 (LAK) and 21-50 birds at Hexham Swamp N.R. Jan 3 (LIA), KI Jul 15 (HWS), Stockton Oct 1 (OCG) and Pambalong N.R. Dec 28 (NIJ). Birds had a nest with young at East Seaham (M8) Sep 24 (HBOC).

Little Egret Egretta garzetta ID No: 185 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident. Occasionally recorded at medium to large waters in the E of the Region, mostly as 1-5 birds. Notable records: 20+ birds were recorded at TWC Jan 4 (KEM) and Ash Island Jan 22 (HWS), and 6-10 birds were present at John Browns Lagoon Mar 8 (HLC), Ash Island Nov/Dec (MOA, GOD) and Harrington Dec 1/3 (OCG). Birds once again nested at TWC, with 4 nests there in the 99/00 season and 6 pairs beginning nesting Nov/Dec for the 00/01 season (MAM).

Eastern Reef Egret Egretta sacra ID No: 191 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Rare. Two birds were recorded at Broughton Island Feb 17 (LAK), and some birds (numbers not noted) were also present at Boondelbah Island Mar 23 (BAA).

White-necked Heron Ardea pacifica ID No: 189 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Bird of passage. 1-2 birds were moderately often recorded in the central and W of the Region, while three birds were at Jerrys Plains Mar 29 (ALP). Records from the E of the Region were of single birds at TWC Jul 9 and Oct 7 (TAN, BAW), Redhead Aug 27 (GJC), Charlestown (M10) Oct (GOC), Ash Island Nov 5 (STA) and Harrington Dec 1/3 (OCG).

Great Egret Ardea alba ID No: 187 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Usual resident. Often recorded at medium to large waters in the E and central parts of the Region, mostly as counts of 1-2 birds except when breeding. Notable records: 50+ birds were recorded at lower Myall River (P8) Feb 12 (LAK), and 21-50 birds at Ash Island Apr 16 and Dec 30 (GOD) and Hawks Nest Nov 19 (HBOC). 6-20 birds were at Ash Island Jan 22, Nov 23 and Dec 21 (MOA), Waitui Apr 15 (OCG), Singleton Apr 24 (ALP) and Pambalong N.R. Dec 10 (HBOC). Birds once again nested at TWC, with 40 nests there in the 99/00 season and 26 pairs beginning nesting Nov/Dec for the 00/01 season (MAM).

Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia ID No: 186 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident. Moderately often recorded at medium to large waters in the E of the Region, mostly as counts of 1-2 birds except when breeding. Notable records: 6+ birds were recorded at Hands Lagoon (L9) Feb (TAH), Pambalong N.R. Feb 12 (MOA), Hawks Nest Nov 19 (HBOC) and Harrington Dec 1/3 (OCG). Birds once again nested at TWC, with 40 nests there in the 99/00 season and 21 pairs beginning nesting Nov/Dec for the 00/01 season (MAM).

Cattle Egret Ardea ibis ID No: 977 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident. Widely and moderately often recorded in the E and central parts of the Region, mostly as counts of 10-50 birds except when breeding. Notable records: 56 birds were recorded at WWW May 6 (TAN). Birds once again nested at both Seaham Swamp N.R. and TWC, with 383 nests at the former location in the 99/00 season and 430 pairs beginning nesting there again Nov/Dec, while the corresponding numbers at TWC were 400 nests for 99/00 and 276 pairs beginning nesting again Nov/Dec (MAM). At Seaham Swamp N.R. in 99/00 season, eggs and young were being taken by White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster (MAM).

Striated Heron Butorides striatus ID No: 193 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Past records Status: Resident. Occasionally recorded at estuaries and coastal lakes, mostly as single birds and sometimes as pairs. Notable records: 6+ birds were recorded in the Harrington area Dec 1/3 (OCG).

Nankeen Night Heron Nycticorax caledonicus ID No: 192 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Local resident and bird of passage. 1-5 birds were occasionally recorded near wetlands in the E of the Region. 25 birds were recorded at Belmont Swamp Jan (LAK) and 60 birds flew over Pambalong N.R. Jan 26 (STP). Up to 20 birds, including some juveniles, were often recorded at TWC while eight birds were at Ash Island Nov 23 (MOA). A single bird was present at Wingen Jan 22 (NEG).

Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus ID No: 195 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: None recorded Status: Rare (probably overlooked). Not recorded since 1995.

Black Bittern Ixobrychus flavicollis ID No: 196 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Rare. Single birds were recorded at Rathmines (L11) Feb 13 (HLC), KI Mar 9 (BAR) and Paterson River (K6) Oct 10 (ROS). A pair was present at a second Paterson River location (6 km distant) Oct 16 (ROS).

Australasian Bittern Botaurus poiciloptilus ID No: 197 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: None recorded Status: Local resident (Revised from: Rare). Single birds were recorded at Tomago (M9) Jan 31 (ROM) and Newcastle University wetlands (M10) Dec 6 (TAH), and an injured bird was treated by Native Animal Trust Fund Aug 18.

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus ID No: 178 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Bird of passage. Birds were recorded at Pambalong N.R. over Mar, with the count peaking at nine birds late Mar (ROS, HLC) and eight birds again were there Aug 2 (ROS). 15 birds were at nearby Lenaghans Drive Minmi May 21 (ROM) and three birds were at TWC Mar 4 (CCFOC).

Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca ID No: 179 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Past records (Revised) Status: Usual resident. Regularly recorded in the E of the Region, mostly as <20 birds but with counts of up to 50 birds not uncommon. Notable records: 50+ birds were recorded at lower Myall River (P8) Feb 12 (LAK), Pambalong N.R. Mar 11 (HLC), Wyee Point Sep 5 (HBOC) and Ash Island Dec 21 (MOA). Mid-year, a major ibis roosting site (involving both T. molucca and T. spinicollis) established at TWC.

Straw-necked Ibis Threskiornis spinicollis ID No: 180 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Usual resident. Often recorded in the E and central parts of the Region, mostly as <20 birds but with counts of up to 100 birds not uncommon. Notable records: 100-150+ birds were recorded at Jerrys Plains Mar 26 and Apr 5 (ALP), Arrowfield May 16 (ALP), WWW Jun 25 (HBOC) and Ash Island Jul 15 (ROD). A major roost site at TWC with T. molucca formed in the middle of the year.

Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia ID No: 181 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Usual resident. Often recorded in the E of the Region as counts of up to 20 birds. Notable records: High numbers were recorded at Pambalong N.R. over Mar, with the count peaking at 104 birds Mar 6 (ROS). 60 birds were also present at Seaham Swamp N.R. Mar 5 (NEM), and 21-50 birds at Pambalong N.R. Jan 9 (FRP), Hands Lagoon (L9) Feb (TAH), lower Myall River (P8) Feb 12 (LAK) and Harrington Dec 1/3 (OCG). Birds were on nest at Hawks Nest Nov 19 (HBOC) and feeding an immature at Seaham Swamp N.R. Apr 10 (TAN).

Yellow-billed Spoonbill Platalea flavipes ID No: 182 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Bird of passage. 1-3 birds were moderately often recorded throughout the Region all year. 4-6 birds were often present at Jerrys Plains over Feb/Apr (ALP), while five birds were at Bulga Swamp (I9) Nov 16 (MOA) and four birds at Singleton Apr 27 (ALP) and Pambalong N.R. Dec 30 (ROD). An unusually high count of 27 birds was recorded at Cundletown (R4) Jan 20 (MVBW).

Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus ID No: 183 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Bird of passage. Two adults and a juvenile bird were recorded at Ash Island Jan 22 (HWS) and 1-2 birds often there over Jan-Mar and Oct-Nov (many reports). Two adults and a juvenile bird were also recorded at Harrington Jan 11 (CBOC), and 1-2 birds at Bulahdelah (P7) Jun 15 (TUD), Ash Island Jun 17 (BAA), TWC Nov (WCR), Harrington Dec 1/3 (OCG), Hexham Swamp N.R. Dec 7/12 (MAM), Black Hill (L10) Dec 14 (WCR) and Pambalong N.R. Dec 16/17 (MOA).

Osprey Pandion haliaetus ID No: 241 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident. Occasionally recorded at estuaries and coastal lakes, more frequently in the NE part of the Region, and mostly as counts of 1-2 birds unless with young/juveniles. Notable records: Four pairs were present around Harrington Dec 10/11 (VEE). A pair had a nest with young at Cundletown (R4) Oct 5 (MVBW).

Pacific Baza Aviceda subcristata ID No: 234 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Uncommon resident. Occasionally recorded as 1-2 birds in the E and central parts of the Region. Notable records: Two adults and a juvenile bird were recorded at Wyee Point Feb 1 (MDV), and three birds were also at Carey Bay (L11) Jun 24 (GOP).

Black-shouldered Kite Elanus axillaris ID No: 232 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Usual resident. Moderately often recorded in the E and central parts of the Region as counts of 1- 2 birds. Notable records: There were no exceptions to the general description of status.

Square-tailed Kite Lophoictinia isura ID No: 230 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Local resident in the NE of the Region, rare elsewhere. 1-2 birds were moderately often recorded at Cundletown (R4) and the pair had a nest with a single young there Oct 21 (MVBW). A single bird was also recorded at Ellalong Jun 18 (MEJ).

Black Kite Milvus migrans ID No: 229 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Uncommon visitor to W of the Region, elsewhere rare (Revised from: Rare). Single birds were recorded at Carey Bay (L11) Jan 1 (BAA), Wingen Mar 13 (NEG), Ellalong Jun 22 (HSE), Booral (N7) Jul 11 (MOJ), Muswellbrook (H6) Jul 24 (NEG) and Lake Liddell (H7) Oct 26 (NEG). Two birds were at Aberdeen (H5) May 31 (NEG).

Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus ID No: 228 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common resident. Widely and frequently recorded, mostly as counts of 1-2 birds. Notable records: 6+ birds were recorded at Bombah Point MLNP (P8) Apr 28 (TAN) and Harrington Dec 1/3 (OCG). Birds were nesting at Old Bar (R4) Jun 17 (MVBW), Ash Island Jul 15 (ROD), Tea Gardens (O8) Aug 4 (TUD) and Harrington Sep 7/10 (MVBW), and also had dependent young at Ash Island Nov 30 (MOA). A bird was eating a Rock Dove Columba livia at TWC Apr 16 (TAN).

Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus ID No: 227 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: Past records Status: Resident (in coastal north of Region), elsewhere accidental. Single birds, where numbers were noted, were recorded at Cundletown (R4) Feb 19 (MVBW), Taylors Beach (O9) Mar 12 (JED), Tea Gardens (O8) Apr 19 (TUD), Salt Ash Jun 28 (ANC), Hawks Nest Jun 29 (ROM), Taree (Q4) Jun 30 (CDB), Harrington Oct 18 and Dec 1/3 (MVBW, OCG) and Hallidays Point (R5) Nov 20 (MVBW).

White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster ID No: 226 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Usual resident. Moderately often recorded at or near large waters, mostly as single birds or pairs and occasionally also with a juvenile. Notable records: 6+ birds were recorded at Harrington Dec 1/3 (OCG), five birds at Wangi Wangi (L11) Apr 6 (ROS) and four birds at Bombah Point MLNP (P8) Apr 29 (TAN). Birds were nesting at Dudley (M10) Apr 30 (BAA) and Quorrobolong Jul 29 (CCFOC) and nest building at Lake Liddell (H7) Oct 26 (NEG), and also were feeding an immature bird at Dawsons River (R4) mid Oct (MVBW). Birds were taking eggs and young of Cattle Egret Ardea ibis at Seaham Swamp N.R. during 99/00 breeding season (MAM).

Spotted Harrier Circus assimilis ID No: 218 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: None recorded Status: Uncommon resident. Single birds were occasionally recorded throughout the Region during Jan-May and Oct-Nov. Two birds were recorded Bayswater Colliery May 12 and single birds there Aug 3 & 16 (NEG).

Swamp Harrier Circus approximans ID No: 219 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: None recorded Status: Usual resident. Moderately often recorded at or near medium to large waters in the E of the Region, mostly as single birds and occasionally as pairs. Notable records: Three birds were recorded at Hexham Swamp N.R. Jan 3 (LIA), TWC Jan 4 and Jul 9 (KEM, TAN) and Ash Island Dec 21 (MOA).

Brown Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus ID No: 221 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident. Widely and moderately often recorded, mostly as single birds. Notable records: Pairs were recorded at Wingen Apr 18 (NEG) and Bulga Sep 10 (VEE). A pair nested at TWC commencing late Nov and raised two young there during Dec (several reports).

Grey Goshawk Accipiter novaehollandiae ID No: 220 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Past records Status: Resident. Moderately often recorded in the E of the Region, mostly as single, grey phase birds. Notable records: There were no exceptions to the general description of status.

Collared Sparrowhawk Accipiter cirrhocephalus ID No: 222 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Past records Status: Resident. Occasionally recorded in the E and central parts of the Region, usually as single birds. Notable records: An adult and a juvenile bird were recorded at Bulga May 21 (VEE) and two birds were also at Bolwarra Jul 28 (TAH).

Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax ID No: 224 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Usual resident. Often recorded in the W and central parts of the Region, mostly as 1-2 birds. Notable records: Five birds were recorded at Wingen Aug 4 (NEG) and three birds at Copeland Common Mar 19/20 (HBOC), Dunns Creek (L8) Aug 20 (HBOC) and Bulga Sep 10 (VEE). An unusual coastal record was of a single bird at KI mid Mar (KIG). Birds were nesting at Maudville (N5) Apr 20 (MOA).

Little Eagle Hieraaetus morphnoides ID No: 225 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes (Revised) Status: Resident. Single birds were recorded at Tomalpin S.F. (K9) Jan 29 (HBOC), Wyee Point Feb 2 (MDV), Awabakal N.R. Apr 20 (GJC), Market Swamp Jun 6 (LAK), Bulga Sep 10 (VEE) and Singleton Oct 2 (ALP). Pairs were present at Bayswater Colliery Feb 3 (NEG), Jerrys Plains Mar 29 (ALP), WWW May 28 (TAH) and Wyee Point Jul/Aug (MDV). A pair nested at Bayswater Colliery during Oct/Nov and had a single dependent young there Dec 2 (NEG) – this is the first confirmed breeding record for the Region for at least 15 years.

Brown Falcon Falco berigora ID No: 239 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Past records Status: Resident. Moderately often recorded in the W and central parts of the Region, as counts of 1-2 birds, and less frequently in the E of the Region. Notable records: A bird took a King Quail Coturnix chinensis at Arrowfield May 18 (SAD).

Australian Hobby Falco longipennis ID No: 235 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident. Widely and moderately often recorded, usually as single birds. Notable records: Three birds were recorded at Bayswater Colliery Mar 16 (NEG), and pairs at Ash Island Feb 28 (RAP) and Testers Hollow (K9) Sep 11 (HBOC). The birds at Ash Island were displaying, and a pair had a nest with young at Dungog Jan 12 (JED).

Black Falcon Falco subniger ID No: 238 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Rare. Two birds were recorded at Bayswater Colliery Sep 28 and single birds there Mar 13 & 15. Single birds were also at Muswellbrook May 12 and near Scone Jul 6 (all are NEG records).

Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus ID No: 237 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident. Occasionally but widely recorded, mostly as single birds and occasionally as pairs. Notable records: Birds had a nest with eggs at Bennetts Head (R6) Aug 11; on Oct 20 there were three chicks flying and all had left the nest by Oct 30 (MVBW).

Nankeen Kestrel Falco cenchroides ID No: 240 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Usual resident. Widely and frequently recorded, usually as single birds or pairs. Notable records: Five birds were recorded at Kars Springs (F4) Sep 18 (NEG), four birds at Ash Island Apr 17 (TAN) and three birds at Ridgelands Road (F5) Sep 18 (NEG). A pair had dependent young at Yarrandi (G5) Jan 26 (NEG), and another pair had three fledged young at Arrowfield Aug 15 (ALP).

Buff-banded Rail Gallirallus philippensis ID No: 046 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Uncommon resident. There was a substantial increase in the reporting rate. Single birds were moderately often recorded in the E of the Region over Jan-Apr and Aug-Dec, while two birds were at Warabrook (M10) Nov 19 (STA) and Ellalong Dec 19 (MEJ), and three birds at TWC Mar 6 (ROM). A pair was with three chicks at Swansea Dec 21 (ADJ), and another pair was nesting at Boondelbah Island Mar 23 (BAA).

Lewin's Rail Rallus pectoralis ID No: 045 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: None recorded Status: Local resident (probably overlooked). No reports received for 2000.

Baillon's Crake Porzana pusilla ID No: 050 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Past records Status: Local resident (probably overlooked). Two birds were recorded at Tarro Sep 17 (GIK) and a single bird at Ash Island Oct 19 (MOA).

Australian Spotted Crake Porzana fluminea ID No: 049 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: Past records Status: Local resident (probably overlooked). Single birds were recorded at Ash Island Feb 5 (NBL), and TWC Mar 6 (ROM).

Spotless Crake Porzana tabuensis ID No: 051 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Local resident (probably overlooked). Single birds were recorded at Belmont Swamp Feb 20 (LAK), Ash Island Mar 4 (ROM), KI Oct 23 (LAT) and Morpeth STP Nov 8 (BIA), and a pair was at Old Bar (R4) Sep 12 (MVBW). The bird at Belmont Swamp was a juvenile.

Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio ID No: 058 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common resident. Widely and frequently recorded at medium to large waters, in counts of up to 20 birds at medium waters and up to 50 birds at large waters. Notable records: 50+ birds were recorded at Tarro Jun 6 and Waitui Sep 30/Oct 2, and 21-50 birds at Congewai (J10) May 21 and Pambalong N.R. Dec 10 (all HBOC records).

Dusky Moorhen Gallinula tenebrosa ID No: 056 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common resident. Widely and frequently recorded, in counts of up to 20 birds at small to medium waters and up to 50 birds at medium to large waters. Notable records: 100+ birds were recorded at TWC Jan 4 (KEM), and around 50 birds were there Apr 16 (TAN). Birds had young at Stockrington Rd (L10) Feb 12 (MOA), Pambalong N.R. Mar 11 (HLC), Waitui Sep 30/Oct 2 (HBOC) and TWC Nov 23 (ROD).

Black-tailed Native-hen Gallinula ventralis ID No: 055 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: Not recorded Status: Accidental (New to list). A single bird was first recorded at Pambalong N.R. Dec 28 (RAP), and thereafter by many observers for the remainder of the month.

Eurasian Coot Fulica atra ID No: 059 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Usual resident. Widely and often recorded at medium to large waters as counts of up to 50 birds. Notable records: 200+ birds were recorded at TWC Jan 4 (KEM), and 64 birds were there Jul 9 (TAN). Birds were nesting at TWC Oct 7 (ROD).

Red-backed Button-quail Turnix maculosa ID No: 013 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Accidental (recorded in 1999). No reports received for 2000.

Little Button-quail Turnix velox ID No: 018 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Accidental (recorded in 1996). No reports received for 2000.

Painted Button-quail Turnix varia ID No: 014 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Uncommon resident. Four birds were recorded at Cox’s Gap (D7) Apr 16 (GED), three birds at Bulga Sep 10 (VEE) and two birds near Jerrys Plains Jun 29 (TAH). Single birds were also at Apple Tree Flat Jun 10/12 (HBOC) and Aberdare S.F. Jun 24 (MOA). At least one bird was at Martins Creek (L8) Aug 5 (BAA). A pair had a nest with eggs at Lake Liddell (H7) Oct 26 (NEG).

Latham's Snipe Gallinago hardwickii ID No: 168 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Usual summer migrant. Often recorded as counts of up to 10 birds at medium to large wetlands in the E of the Region, from to Jan to mid-Mar and from late Aug onwards. Notable records: 66 birds were recorded at Pambalong N.R. Dec 10 (HBOC) – although still a substantial number, this is the lowest count in 4 years of surveying by HBOC at Pambalong. Eleven birds were recorded at Seaham Swamp N.R. Nov 5 (DUP). The most westerly record was of two birds at Lake Liddell (H7) Oct 26 (NEG).

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa ID No: 152 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Summer migrant. In monthly surveys of the Hunter estuary, birds were recorded every month except May (see Table). Some birds were also present at Harrington Sep 6/11 – numbers were not noted (MVBW).

Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica ID No: 153 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Common summer migrant. Moderately often recorded at coastal/estuarine mudflats over Jan-Mar and Sep-Dec, in counts of up to 20 birds, and with many young birds remaining over winter. Notable records: Birds were regularly recorded in the Hunter estuary during monthly surveys, and at Swan Bay in surveys conducted in the latter part of the year (see Table). 120 birds were also recorded at Swan Bay Jul 22 (LIA) and then counts of <20 birds in the following 2 months (TAN). Elsewhere, “summer” counts of around 100 birds were recorded at Harrington Sep 30 and Dec 1/3 (STA, OCG) and LTP Mar 26 (KEM). “Winter” records from other than the Hunter estuary/Swan Bay were of 35 birds at Swansea Apr 16 (STA) and four birds there Jul 16 (HLC), and <20 birds at Hawks Nest/Tea Gardens Apr 16 (OCG).

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus ID No: 150 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Usual summer migrant. Occasionally recorded at coastal/estuarine mudflats during Jan-Apr and Sep-Dec as counts of 1-5 birds. Notable records: Birds were recorded in the Hunter estuary every month except August, with numbers varying considerably each month (see Table). Six birds were at Swan Bay Jul 22 (LIA) and birds were also there during some high tide surveys later in the year. At least six birds were also at Harrington Dec 1/3 (OCG).

Eastern Curlew Numenius madagascariensis ID No: 149 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Common summer migrant. Moderately often recorded at coastal/estuarine mudflats – as counts of up to 20 birds during Jan-Apr and Sep-Dec, and as counts of 1-5 birds during May-Aug. Notable records: Birds were regularly recorded in the Hunter estuary during monthly surveys, and in surveys at Swan Bay over the latter half of the year (see Table). 80 birds were also present at Swan Bay Jul 22 (LIA) and nine birds Aug 12 (TAN). Elsewhere, 21-50 birds were recorded at Bushy Island (N9) Jan 13 (HLC), Karuah (M8) Jan 27 (STP), lower Myall River (P8) Feb 12 (LAK) and Harrington Dec 1/3 (OCG).

2000 Wader Survey Results Black-tailed Godwit Bar-tailed Godwit Whimbrel Eastern Curlew Hunter Swan Hunter Swan Hunter Swan Hunter Swan estuary Bay estuary Bay estuary Bay estuary Bay Jan 22 300 N/A 1601 N/A 10 N/A 571 N/A Feb 19 237 N/A 1340 N/A 28 N/A 578 N/A Mar 19 145 N/A 1778 N/A 5 N/A 75 N/A Apr 8 2 N/A 339 N/A 23 N/A 52 N/A May 20 0 N/A 300 N/A 18 N/A 107 N/A Jun 17 3 N/A 400 N/A 15 N/A 143 N/A Jul 15 5 N/A 370 N/A 19 N/A 80 N/A Aug 19 25 N/A 360 N/A 0 N/A 238 N/A Sep 16 26 0 275 9 40 6 446 400 Oct 14/15 350 0 1640 250 4 1 397 340 Nov 11 101 0 2001 60 55 0 456 310 Dec 9 185 0 1291 72 86 0 254 385

Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis ID No: 159 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Summer migrant. In monthly Hunter estuary surveys, birds were recorded over Jan-Mar and Sep- Dec, but numbers were low other than Jan-Feb and Nov (see Table for details). However, 54 birds were present at shallow freshwater pond on KI Oct 23 (LAT). The only records from elsewhere were of two birds at SBS Nov 22 (HLC) and 15 birds at Morpeth STP Dec 16 (BAA).

Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia ID No: 158 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Usual summer migrant. In monthly surveys of the Hunter estuary, birds were recorded over Jan-Apr and Jul-Dec (see Table for details). Elsewhere, 1-5 birds were recorded at Harrington Dec 1/3 (OCG), Swan Bay Dec 9 (HWS) and Morpeth STP Dec 16 (BAA) and there was also an inland record, of a single bird at Denman (G7) Sep 8 (STA).

Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola ID No: 154 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Rare summer migrant A single bird was recorded at Pambalong N.R. Feb 23 (STA) and then 1-2 birds regularly there until Mar 3 (several reports). A single bird was again recorded there Dec 10 (HBOC) and numbers grew to a peak of five birds at the end of the month (many reports).

Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus ID No: 160 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Summer migrant. In monthly surveys of the Hunter estuary, birds were recorded over Jan-Apr and Oct-Dec, with the peak count being of 55 birds (see Table for details). However, 66 birds were noted to be present Mar 19 (CBOC). The only record from elsewhere was of some birds (<5) at Harrington Dec 1/3 (OCG).

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos ID No: 157 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Uncommon summer migrant. Three birds were recorded at KI Nov 8 (CBOC), and a single bird there Oct 14/15 (HBOC, MVBW). Single birds were also at Chichester Dam (M6) Jan 31 (JED), Harrington Sep 9 and Dec 1/3 (TBW, OCG) and Ash Island Dec 17 & 30 (MOA, GOD).

Grey-tailed Tattler Heteroscelus brevipes ID No: 155 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Summer migrant. Occasionally recorded at coastal/estuarine mudflats during Jan-Apr and Sep- Dec, as counts of up to 10 birds (text modified). Notable records: Winter records were of two birds in the Hunter estuary Jun/Jul (see Table) and nine birds at Swan Bay Jul 22 (LIA). 26 birds were recorded at LTP Apr 10 (KEM) and 37 birds at Swan Bay Oct 15 (HWS).

Wandering Tattler Heteroscelus incanus ID No: 156 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Accidental (recorded in 1999) No reports received for 2000.

2000 Wader Survey Results Marsh Sandpiper Comm. Greenshank Terek Sandpiper Grey-tailed Tattler Hunter Swan Hunter Swan Hunter Swan Hunter Swan estuary Bay estuary Bay estuary Bay estuary Bay Jan 22 176 N/A 170 N/A 50 N/A 16 N/A Feb 19 117 N/A 112 N/A 44 N/A 18 N/A Mar 19 3 N/A 37 N/A 55 N/A 13 N/A Apr 8 0 N/A 3 N/A 7 N/A 11 N/A May 20 0 N/A 0 N/A 0 N/A 0 N/A Jun 17 0 N/A 0 N/A 0 N/A 2 N/A Jul 15 0 N/A 3 N/A 0 N/A 2 N/A Aug 19 0 N/A 2 N/A 0 N/A 0 N/A Sep 16 3 0 24 0 0 0 0 0 Oct 14/15 15 0 115 0 16 0 5 37 Nov 11 66 0 191 0 33 0 21 0 Dec 9 18 0 333 1 43 0 13 0

Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres ID No: 129 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Uncommon summer migrant (Revised from: Summer migrant). Four birds were recorded at Nobbys Head (M10) Mar 19 (CBOC) and two birds at Speers Point (L10) Sep 22 (WMR).

Asian Dowitcher Limnodromus semipalmatus ID No: 939 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Accidental (recorded in 1985). No reports received for 2000.

Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris ID No: 165 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Uncommon summer migrant. In monthly surveys of the Hunter estuary, birds were recorded all months except May (see Table). Counts during the surveys were of <10 birds, except in Feb-Mar; however, 25 birds were recorded at Stockton Sandspit Sep 17 (LIA).

Red Knot Calidris canutus ID No: 164 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Summer migrant. Several hundred birds were recorded in the Hunter estuary during migration passage, and also some birds at Swan Bay (see Table for details). A single bird was also recorded at Stockton Sandspit Aug 3 (BIA).

Sanderling Calidris alba ID No: 166 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Rare. Eight birds were recorded at Harrington Dec 10 and 19 birds there Dec 23 (VEE), while single birds were at Stockton Beach Aug 13 (PAR) and Nov 25 (HLC).

2000 Wader Survey Results Great Knot Red Knot Red-necked Stint Sharp-tailed S/P Hunter Swan Hunter Swan Hunter Swan Hunter Swan estuary Bay estuary Bay estuary Bay estuary Bay Jan 22 9 N/A 0 N/A 53 N/A 25 N/A Feb 19 14 N/A 0 N/A 60 N/A 0 N/A Mar 19 27 N/A 1 N/A 0 N/A 0 N/A Apr 8 4 N/A 3 N/A 0 N/A 0 N/A May 20 0 N/A 0 N/A 0 N/A 0 N/A Jun 17 1 N/A 0 N/A 0 N/A 0 N/A Jul 15 1 N/A 0 N/A 0 N/A 0 N/A Aug 19 2 N/A 0 N/A 0 N/A 0 N/A Sep 16 10 0 200 9 0 0 0 0 Oct 14/15 3 0 400 12 0 0 0 0 Nov 11 1 0 100 0 0 9 0 0 Dec 9 10 0 28 4 22 0 0 0

Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis ID No: 162 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Summer migrant. During monthly surveys of the Hunter estuary, birds were only recorded in Jan-Feb and Dec. However, other reports for the estuary were of two birds at Ash Island Sep 29 (BAS) and 20+ birds there Oct 19 (MOA), and five birds at KI Aug 31 (ROS). Elsewhere, nine birds were at Swan Bay Nov 11 (HWS).

Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos ID No: 978 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Rare. No confirmed reports received for 2000.

Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata ID No: 163 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Usual summer migrant. Moderately often recorded at shallow or drying wetlands near to the coast over Jan-Apr and Oct-Dec, mostly as counts of up to 20 birds. Notable records: 200+ birds were recorded at Tarro Swamp Jan 30 (CBOC). During regular monthly surveys of the Hunter estuary, birds were only recorded Jan 22, when 25 birds were present. However, 45 birds were also at KI Aug 31 (ROS).

Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea ID No: 161 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Common summer migrant. Birds were absent from the Hunter estuary after Mar, not being recorded again until Aug 3 when two birds were present (BIA). The peak count (see Table) from monthly surveys in the latter part of the year was 330 birds (HWS) but an estimated 400 birds were at Stockton Sandspit Dec 30 (GOD).

Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola falcinellus ID No: 167 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Rare summer migrant. Not recorded since 1995.

Ruff Philomachus pugnax ID No: 934 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Rare summer migrant. Not recorded since 1998.

Painted Snipe Rostratula benghalensis ID No: 170 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: Past records Status: Rare (probably overlooked). A single male bird was recorded at Pambalong N.R Dec 26 (LIA). The wetland had dried considerably, which aided viewing, and the bird was observed regularly by very many visitors for the remainder of the month (many reports – including of a female bird also being present on some occasions).

Comb-crested Jacana Irediparra gallinacea ID No: 171 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident, more usual in N of Region. 1-5 birds were recorded at Mandalong Swamp (K11) Jan 5 and Nov 18 (ROS, VEE), John Browns Lagoon Mar 8 & 20 and May 25 (HLC, BAA, FRP), Hillville Dam (Q4) Mar 18 and Nov 27/28 (MVBW, OCG), Hannam Vale (R3) Apr 15 (MVBW), East Maitland Apr 19 (ROS), Louth Park Maitland May 20 (BAA), Lenaghans Drive Minmi (L10) Jun 5 (ROM), Tarro Recreational Reserve Jun 6 (HBOC), Johns River (S3) Oct 21 (MVBW) and Harrington Dec 1/3 (OCG).

Bush Stone-curlew Burhinus grallarius ID No: 174 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Local resident. A single bird was recorded at Swan Bay Oct 14 (OCG).

Beach Stone-curlew Esacus neglectus ID No: 175 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Uncertain Two birds were recorded at Harrington Jun 16 & Jul 15 (MVBW), and a pair had a nest there Feb 20 (FOC).

Pied Oystercatcher Haematopus longirostris ID No: 130 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident. 1-5 birds were often recorded throughout the year. 6-10 birds were at KI Feb 22 (HBOC), Little Gibber (Hawks Nest) Apr 18 (MJK), Stockton Sandspit Sep 17 (LIA), Swan Bay Oct 14 (OCG) and Harrington Dec 1/3 (OCG). High numbers were present sometimes in the area of MLNP between Lemon Tree and Little Gibber – 14 birds Jan 1, 22 birds Jan 20 and 11 birds Apr 21 (TUD). Birds were nesting at Stockton Beach Nov 11 and were also reported to be breeding at Forster Aug 13 (BAA).

Sooty Oystercatcher Haematopus fuliginosus ID No: 131 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Uncommon resident. Three birds were recorded at Dudley (M10) Jan 31 (GOC), and 1-2 birds, where numbers were noted, were at Little Gibber (Hawks Nest) Jan 29/30 (MJK), Broughton Island Feb 17 (LAK), Newcastle Baths Feb 26 (STA), Nobbys Beach Mar 19 (CBOC) and Harrington Sep 6/11 and Dec 1/3 (MVBW, OCG). Birds were nesting at Boondelbah Island Mar 23 (BAA).

Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus ID No: 146 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Usual resident. Moderately often recorded at medium to large waters in the E of the Region as counts of up to 10 birds. Notable records: Counts in the Hunter estuary during monthly surveys were high in the early part of the year but numbers thereafter declined (see Table). Only 16 birds were recorded during the Apr 8 survey but 200 birds were at Ash Island Apr 17 (TAN). Birds began returning to the estuary in December, with numbers increasing all month and 100 birds being recorded at Ash Island Dec 30 (GOD). Elsewhere, 21-50 birds were recorded at Lenaghans Drive swamp (L10) Feb 12 (MOA), SBS Feb 13 (HLC) and Pambalong N.R. Dec 16/17 (MOA).

Banded Stilt Cladorhynchus leucocephalus ID No: 147 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Accidental. A single adult bird was recorded at Swan Bay Sep 16 and Oct 15 (HWS) and the bird remained present until at least Oct 29 when last recorded (OCG). An adult bird was subsequently recorded at KINR during surveys on Nov 11 and Dec 9 (HWS).

Red-necked Avocet Recurvirostra novaehollandiae ID No: 148 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Bird of passage (Revised from: Local resident). Counts in the Hunter estuary were considerably lower than for 1999, with the peak count being of only 104 birds and with birds often absent (see Table). There were no records from elsewhere.

Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva ID No: 8006 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Summer migrant. 88 birds were recorded Jan 22 in a regular monthly survey of the Hunter estuary but the counts were low or zero in other months (see Table). However, some birds were overlooked in the surveys since other records provided greater counts. Thus: around 200 birds were at Stockton Sandspit Jan 3 and 50 birds there Dec 30 (GOD), while at Ash Island 40-50 birds were present late Feb (BAR, LAT), 30+ birds Mar 10 (BAR), one bird Sep 29 (BAS), four birds Oct 19 (MOA) and 20-30 birds often from late Nov to mid Dec (MOA, RSU). Elsewhere: around ten birds were at Harrington Sep 30 (STA) and 30+ birds early Dec (OCG, VEE); six birds were at Green Point Forster Mar 5 (MVBW) and at Stockton Beach Aug 13 & 19 (BAA); and one bird was at Swan Bay Oct 15 (HWS).

Red-capped Plover Charadrius ruficapillus ID No: 143 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Usual resident. Moderately often recorded along the coast, mostly as counts of 1-5 birds. Notable records: 30 birds were recorded at Stockton Beach Jun 30 and 15 birds there Aug 19 (HLC, BAA). In regular monthly surveys of the Hunter estuary, birds were recorded only in the latter half of the year (see Table) and there were no other records for the Hunter estuary in the first half of the year. Birds had nests with eggs at Swan Bay Oct 15 (HWS) and Ash Island Nov 23 (MOA), and had chicks at Harrington Jan 14 (CBOC), Fern Bay Oct 15 (MVBW) and Swan Bay Nov 11 (HWS).

2000 Wader Survey Results Curlew Sandpiper Black-winged Stilt Red-necked Avocet Pac. Golden Plover Hunter Swan Hunter Swan Hunter Swan Hunter Swan estuary Bay estuary Bay estuary Bay estuary Bay Jan 22 400 N/A 345 N/A 31 N/A 88 N/A Feb 19 330 N/A 525 N/A 4 N/A 15 N/A Mar 19 1 N/A 350 N/A 0 N/A 0 N/A Apr 8 0 N/A 16 N/A 0 N/A 0 N/A May 20 0 N/A 82 N/A 0 N/A 0 N/A Jun 17 0 N/A 166 N/A 0 N/A 0 N/A Jul 15 0 N/A 99 N/A 6 N/A 0 N/A Aug 19 3 N/A 2 N/A 2 N/A 0 N/A Sep 16 75 0 0 0 25 0 1 0 Oct 14/15 223 0 0 0 90 0 0 1 Nov 11 330 0 0 0 104 0 0 0 Dec 9 223 0 9 0 8 0 5 0

Double-banded Plover Charadrius bicinctus ID No: 140 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Winter migrant (Revised from: Uncommon winter migrant). Birds were often recorded at a site along Stockton Beach over May-Aug, from an initial count of 11 birds May 6 (ROM) to a peak count of 43 birds Aug 3 (ROM). Most reports over Jun/ Jul were of 20-30 birds. Elsewhere, 26 birds were recorded at Swan Bay Jul 22 (LIA) and five birds there Aug 12 (TAN), three birds were at Ash Island Mar 4 (CCFOC) and one bird at Lemon Tree MLNP (P8) Apr 21 (TUD).

Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus ID No: 139 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Uncommon summer migrant (Revised from: Summer migrant). Single birds were recorded at Swan Bay Oct 15 (HWS) and Stockton Sandspit Dec 30 (GOD).

Black-fronted Dotterel Elseyornis melanops ID No: 144 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident. Widely and moderately often recorded at medium waters, mostly as 1-5 birds. Notable records: Birds were present in high numbers at Pambalong N.R. during Dec, with peak counts of c 60 birds late Dec when the wetland was extensively drying. Up to 15 birds were also at Pambalong during Mar (several reports). Counts were also high at Ash Island over Mar/Apr, with the peak count being of 26 birds Apr 17 (TAN). 6+ birds were also present at SBS Feb 13 (HLC) and Hawks Nest/Tea Gardens Apr 16 (OCG). Birds had a nest with eggs at Mulbring Sep 15 (BAA) and there were three nests at Heaton Rd Watagans Oct 15 (NEM).

Red-kneed Dotterel Erythrogonys cinctus ID No: 132 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Bird of passage. 1-2 birds were recorded at TWC on several occasions in early Jan (KEM, FRP, ROD) and late Oct (BAW, GED). A single bird was also at TWC Mar 4 (CCFOC) and at Pambalong N.R. Dec 16/17 (MOA).

Banded Lapwing Vanellus tricolor ID No: 135 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Rare 13 adult birds and two juveniles were recorded between Largs and Morpeth Dec 25 (BRG), and single birds were at Singleton Jul 26 (BAA) and Medowie (N9) Dec 16 (CDB).

Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles ID No: 133 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common resident. Widely and regularly recorded, mostly as 1-5 birds but with counts of up to 20 birds not uncommon near medium to large waters. Notable records: Many birds were regularly recorded in the Hunter estuary during monthly surveys, with a peak count of 84 birds (see Table). Elsewhere, 21-50 birds were at SBS Feb 13 (HLC), Waitui Apr 15 (OCG), Hawks Nest/Tea Gardens Apr 16 (OCG), Harrington Dec 1/3 (OCG) and Pambalong N.R. late Dec (NIJ, ROD). There were many breeding records spanning Jul-Dec.

2000 Wader Survey Results Red-capped Plover Black-fr. Dotterel Masked Lapwing Hunter Swan Hunter Swan Hunter Swan estuary Bay estuary Bay estuary Bay Jan 22 0 N/A 0 N/A 51 N/A Feb 19 0 N/A 0 N/A 78 N/A Mar 19 0 N/A 21 N/A 84 N/A Apr 8 0 N/A 25 N/A 52 N/A May 20 0 N/A 32 N/A 52 N/A Jun 17 0 N/A 1 N/A 49 N/A Jul 15 14 N/A 0 N/A 49 N/A Aug 19 12 N/A 13 N/A 20 N/A Sep 16 25 0 2 0 18 3 Oct 14/15 4 2 6 0 19 0 Nov 11 3 9 0 0 29 0 Dec 9 33 3 0 0 61 0

Pomarine Jaeger Stercorarius pomarinus ID No: 945 HBOC Category: 2 (Revised) Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Uncertain (Revised from: Rare). Five birds were recorded on a pelagic survey SE of Swansea Nov 4 (HBOC), and single birds on the Oct 8 pelagic survey (HBOC) and at Newcastle Harbour Mar 11 (MOA).

Arctic Jaeger Stercorarius parasiticus ID No: 128 HBOC Category: 1 (Revised) Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Summer migrant (Revised from: Uncertain) 1-2 birds were moderately often recorded over Jan-Mar and Oct-Dec. Five birds were found on a pelagic survey SE of Swansea Nov 4 (HBOC) and a single bird was at lower Myall River (P8) Sep 25 (BAA).

Pacific Gull Larus pacificus ID No: 126 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Accidental. No confirmed records since 1997.

Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus ID No: 981 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Accidental. Not recorded since 1998.

Silver Gull Larus novaehollandiae ID No: 125 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common resident. Widely and regularly recorded along the coast and at near-coastal waters, with counts of up to 100 birds not uncommon. Notable records: 300+ birds were recorded at KINR Feb 19 (HWS) and Ash Island Nov 9 & 23 (MOA). 100-200 birds were at lower Myall River (P8) Feb 12 (LAK), Forster early Jun (MVBW), and frequently at locations around KI (HWS, HBOC).

Gull-billed Tern Sterna nilotica ID No: 111 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Resident. Seven birds were recorded at Stockton Sandspit Nov 19 (LAT), six birds at KINR Jul 15 (HWS) and four birds at Harrington Jan 14 (CBOC). 1-2 birds were at KI/Stockton Mar 19, Oct 14 & 23/25 and Nov 11 (HWS, HBOC, MAM) and at Ash Island Sep 16 (HWS).

Caspian Tern Sterna caspia ID No: 112 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Resident. Twelve birds were recorded at Swansea Apr 16 (STA), nine birds at KINR May 20 (HWS) and seven birds at Swan Bay Oct 29 (OCG). 1-5 birds, although mostly in counts of 1-2, were moderately often recorded at Swan Bay and at locations around KI, and also at lower Myall River (P8) Feb 12 (LAK), Swansea Jul 16 (HLC) and Morpeth STP Nov 8 (BIA).

Crested Tern Sterna bergii ID No: 115 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common resident. Often recorded along the coast, with counts of up to 20 birds not uncommon. Notable records: 24 birds were recorded on a pelagic survey SE of Swansea Aug 5 (HBOC).

White-fronted Tern Sterna striata ID No: 114 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Uncommon winter migrant (probably under-reported) (Text modified) Two birds were recorded at Stockton Beach Jul 7 and four birds there Jul 15 (both LIA),

Common Tern Sterna hirundo ID No: 953 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Summer migrant. 100+ birds were recorded at Harrington Dec 10 and Newcastle Harbour Mar 5, and 55+ birds at Nobbys Beach (M10) Mar 12 (all CBOC records). 20+ birds were also at Harrington Sep 30 and Dec 1/3 (STA, OCG). All other records were of <10 birds – at Redhead Jan 2 (GJC), Newcastle Harbour Jan 11, Feb 22 and Mar 19 (LAK, BAR, HBOC), and on pelagic surveys SE of Swansea Oct 8 and Nov 4 (HBOC).

Little Tern Sterna albifrons ID No: 117 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident. Moderately often recorded along the coast over Jan-Mar and Oct-Dec as counts of up to 20 birds. Notable records: 100+ birds were recorded at Harrington early Dec (OCG, VEE) and 20+ birds there Sep 30 (STA).

Sooty Tern Sterna fuscata ID No: 120 HBOC Category: 2 (Revised) Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Accidental. No confirmed records since 1997.

Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus ID No: 110 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Bird of passage. Two birds were recorded at Ash Island Sep 27 (BAS) and a single bird at Ellalong Lagoon Oct 29 (TAH).

White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus ID No: 109 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Summer migrant (probably under-recorded) (Revised from: Uncommon summer migrant.) Birds were recorded at Newcastle Harbour from early Mar, with initial numbers of 10+ growing to a peak of 38 birds Mar 19 and remaining high for the remainder of the month (several reports). There were no records after Apr 9.

Common Noddy Anous stolidus ID No: 122 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Accidental (recorded in 1999) No reports received for 2000.

Grey Ternlet Procelsterna cerulea ID No: 982 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Accidental (recorded in 1995) No reports received for 2000.

Rock Dove Columba livia ID No: 957 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common resident. Moderately often recorded around Newcastle and suburbs, and less frequently at other townships, mostly as counts of up to 20 birds. Notable records: There were no exceptions to the general description of status.

White-headed Pigeon Columba leucomela ID No: 028 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes (Revised) Status: Resident. 1-5 birds were occasionally recorded in the E of the Region. Greater counts were of 50+ birds at Waitui Apr 15 (OCG), 20+ birds at Brimbin N.R. (R4) May 20 (OCG) and Tarro Jun 6 (HBOC), and 6+ birds at Copeland S.F. Mar 20 (HBOC), Summer Hill (L8) Oct 1 (CLT) and Bootawa (Q4) Nov 27/28 (OCG). Birds had a nest with eggs at Dungog Jan 21 (JED) – this is the first confirmed breeding record for the Region for at least 15 years.

Spotted Turtle-Dove Streptopelia chinensis ID No: 989 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common resident. Widely and regularly recorded in the E of the Region, mainly as counts of 1-5 birds. Notable records: 20+ birds were recorded at TWC Jan 4 (KEM) and Harrington Dec 1/3 (OCG), and 6-20 birds at Bangalay Reserve (L11) Mar 7 (HBOC), Brimbin N.R. (R4) May 20 (OCG) and Tarro Jun 6 (HBOC).

Brown Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia amboinensis ID No: 029 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident. 1-5 birds were moderately often recorded in the E and central parts of the Region. 20+ birds were at Waitui Apr 15 (OCG) and 6-20 birds at Copeland S.F. Mar 20 (HBOC), Stockrington (L10) Sep 4 (FRP) and Waitui Sep 30/Oct 2 (HBOC).

Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica ID No: 033 HBOC Category: 1 (Revised) Regional Breeding Status: None recorded Status: Resident. 1-2 birds, where numbers were noted, were recorded at Chichester Dam (M6) Jan 31 (JED), Mount Vincent (L10) Feb 1 (BAA), Belmont South Apr 6 (CJB), Cape Hawke (R6) May 15 and Dec 16 (MVBW), Wang Wauk S.F. (P6) Aug 3 (ROM), Harrington Sep 30 and Dec 1/3 (STA, OCG), Summer Hill (L8) Oct 1 (CLT) and The Ruins BBNP Oct 1 (TUD).

Common Bronzewing Phaps chalcoptera ID No: 034 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes (Revised) Status: Resident. 20+ birds were recorded at Bulga Jul 23 (HBOC) and 6+ birds at Apple Tree Flat Sep 29/Oct 2 (HSE). 1-5 birds were moderately often recorded in the W and central parts of the Region. Birds were on nest at Dry Creek Parkville (H4) Oct 25 (NEG) – this is the first confirmed breeding record for the Region for at least 15 years.

Brush Bronzewing Phaps elegans ID No: 035 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: None recorded Status: Rare. 1-2 birds were recorded at Belmont Swamp Jan-Mar and Oct-Nov (LAK).

Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes ID No: 043 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common resident. Widely and regularly recorded as counts of up to 20 birds. Notable records: 50+ birds were recorded at Harrington Dec 1/3 (OCG), and 21- 50 birds at Bolwarra May 15 (BPS), Tarro Jun 6 (HBOC), Awabakal N.R. Aug 1 (HBOC) and Swan Bay Oct 14 (OCG).

Diamond Dove Geopelia cuneata ID No: 031 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: Not recorded Status: Rare. No confirmed records since 1995.

Peaceful Dove Geopelia striata ID No: 030 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Past records Status: Resident. 6+ birds were recorded at Apple Tree Flat Sep 29/Oct 2 (HSE) and Bootawa (Q4) Nov 27/28 (OCG), and 1-5 birds at Tahlee/ Carrington (O8) Jan 23 (HBOC), Waitui Apr 15 and Sep 30/Oct 2 (OCG, HBOC), Hawks Nest/Tea Gardens Apr 16 (OCG), Apple Tree Flat Jun 10/12 (HBOC), Bulga Jul 23 (HBOC) and Wongalee (H8) Oct 22 (OCG).

Bar-shouldered Dove Geopelia humeralis ID No: 032 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes (Revised) Status: Usual resident. Often recorded in the E and central parts of the Region, mostly as counts of 1-5 birds. Notable records: 6+ birds were recorded at Belmont Swamp May (LAK), Apple Tree Flat Sep 29/Oct 2 (HSE), Waitui Sep 30/Oct 2 (HBOC) and Harrington Dec 1/3 (OCG). Birds were breeding at Balickera Nov 6 (BAA) – this is the first confirmed breeding record for the Region for at least 15 years.

Wonga Pigeon Leucosarcia melanoleuca ID No: 044 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Usual resident. 1-5 birds were often recorded, particularly in the central part of the Region. 6+ birds were at Copeland S.F. Mar 20 (HBOC), Congewai (J10) May 21 (HBOC) and Apple Tree Flat Jun 10/12 and Sep 29/Oct 2 (HBOC, HSE).

Wompoo Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus magnificus ID No: 025 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: None recorded Status: Local resident. Two birds were recorded at Copeland S.F. Mar 20 (HBOC).

Superb Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus superbus ID No: 023 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: None recorded Status: Rare . No confirmed reports received for 2000.

Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus regina ID No: 021 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: None recorded Status: Rare. Not recorded since 1997.

Topknot Pigeon Lopholaimus antarcticus ID No: 027 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: None recorded Status: Local resident and bird of passage (text revised). 50+ birds were recorded at Copeland S.F. Mar 20 (HBOC) and 21-50 birds at BBNP Apr 12 (TUD) and Summer Hill (L8) Oct 1 (CLT). Flocks of up to 10 birds were at Woodberry (M9) Mar 27 (LAM), The Grandis MLNP (P7) Apr 2 (TUD), The Ruins BBNP Aug 31 and Oct 4 (TUD), Forster Oct 20 (TUD), Milbrodale (I9) Oct 22 (HBOC) and Harrington Dec 1/3 (OCG).

Glossy Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus lathami ID No: 265 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Uncommon resident. 1-5 birds were moderately often recorded in the central and E parts of the Region. Eight birds were at Wallingat S.F. Dec 28/29 (ROM) and seven birds at White Box Camp Dec 29 (STA).

Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus funereus ID No: 267 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Usual resident. Widely and often recorded in the E and central parts of the Region as counts of up to 20 birds. Notable records: Approx. 50 birds were present at Wangi Wangi (L11) Apr 6 (ROS) and 28 birds at Ellalong Jul 31 (MEJ). Up to ten birds showing white in tail were recorded at Booral (N7) Mar 22 (BIS) and Gloucester (N5) May (THG). Birds had dependent young at Laguna Feb 12/13 (RDB).

Gang-gang Cockatoo Callocephalon fimbriatum ID No: 268 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident. 15 birds were recorded at Laguna Oct 13/15 (RDB) and 12 birds at Ellalong Oct 23 (MEJ). 1-5 birds were moderately often recorded in the central parts of the Region. A pair had dependent young at Laguna Mar 17/19 (RDB).

Galah Cacatua roseicapilla ID No: 273 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common resident. Widely and regularly recorded, as counts of up to 10 birds in the E of the Region and up to 20 birds further inland. Notable records: 100-150+ birds were recorded at Singleton Feb 22 and Arrowfield Apr 12 and May 10 (ALP). 40 birds were at Belmont Swamp Sep (LAK) and 20+ birds at Redhead Aug 4 (GJC). Birds were on nest at Apple Tree Flat Sep 29/Oct 2 (HSE) and Dry Creek Parkville (H4) Oct 25 (NEG). A hybrid with Little Corella Cacatua sanguinea was at Seaham Swamp N.R. Sep 24 (HBOC).

Long-billed Corella Cacatua tenuirostris ID No: 272 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident. Approx 100 birds were recorded at Yarrandi (G5) Jan 26 (NEG) and 34 birds at LTP Apr 10 (KEM). 17 birds were at Islington (M10) Aug 7 (ROM) and six birds at Aberglasslyn (L9) Nov 12 (GOD). Three birds were at Cessnock May 27 (ROM) and Bolwarra Aug 7 (ROS). Some birds were also at Woodville (L9) Apr 8 (NEM).

Little Corella Cacatua sanguinea ID No: 271 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: None recorded Status: Resident. Approx. 150 birds were recorded at Toronto (L11) during Apr (HLJ) and 120+ birds at Jerrys Plains Jan 25 (ALP). 20+ birds were at Seaham Swamp N.R. Sep 24 (HBOC) and 6+ birds at Kars Springs (F4) Sep 18 (NEG). A group of eight birds are now resident in Forster (TUD). Two birds were recorded at Denman May 10 (GED) and a single bird at Redhead Jan 22 (GJC). Also note above the presence of a hybrid with Galah Cacatua roseicapilla.

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita ID No: 269 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common resident. Widely and frequently recorded as counts of up to 20 birds. Notable records: 200+ birds were recorded at Jerrys Plains Jan 11 and 50+ birds there Mar 6 (ALP). 250+ birds were at Apple Tree Flat Jun 10/12 and 100+ birds there Sep 29/Oct 2 (HBOC, HSE). 150+ birds were also at Arrowfield (H7) Apr 12 (ALP). Birds were breeding at Ridgelands Road (F5) Sep 18 (BAA).

Cockatiel Nymphicus hollandicus ID No: 274 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: None recorded Status: Uncertain. No reports received for 2000.

Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus ID No: 254 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Usual resident. Often recorded in the E of the Region as counts of up to 20 birds. Notable records: 20+ birds were recorded at Waitui Sep 30/Oct 2 (HBOC) and at Swan Bay Oct 14 (OCG).

Scaly-breasted Lorikeet Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus ID No: 256 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Usual resident. Moderately often recorded near to the coast, mostly as counts of up to 20 birds. Notable records: 50+ birds were recorded in the Harrington area Dec 1/3 (OCG) and 20+ birds at Bombah Point MLNP (P8) Apr 29 (TAN).

Musk Lorikeet Glossopsitta concinna ID No: 258 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: None recorded Status: Bird of passage. 6-20 birds were recorded at Singleton Apr 29 (ALP), Cams Wharf (L11) Jun 11 (MOA), Ellalong Jun 27 (TAH), Kars Springs (F4) Sep 18 (NEG) and Merriwa (E5) Nov 16 (MOA). 1-5 birds were at Owens Hill Gap (G5) Jan 26 (NEG), Ellalong Jun 10 & 16 (LIA, TAN) and Ridgelands Road (F5) Sep 18 (NEG). A mixed flock with Little Lorikeet Glossopsitta pusilla were at Aberdare S.F. Jul 9 (ROM).

Little Lorikeet Glossopsitta pusilla ID No: 260 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident. Widely and moderately often recorded, mostly as counts of <10 birds but with greater numbers being not uncommon. Notable records: 200+ birds were recorded at Bulga Apr 16 and 100+ birds there May 21 (VEE). 21-50 birds were at Swansea South Jun 11 (MOA), Aberdare S.F. Jun 25 (HBOC), Singleton Army Range (J8) Jul 26 (HSE) and Quorrobolong Aug 4 (MOA).

Australian King-Parrot Alisterus scapularis ID No: 281 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Usual resident. Widely and frequently recorded in the E and central parts of the Region, mostly as counts of 1-5 birds. Notable records: 6-20 birds were recorded at Warkworth (I8) Mar 14 (ALP), Wingen Apr 18 (NEG), Apple Tree Flat Jun 10/12 (HBOC), Kars Springs (F4) and Ridgelands Road (F5) Sep 18 (NEG), Waitui Sep 30/Oct 2 (HBOC) and Dry Creek Parkville (H4) Oct 25 (NEG). 20+ birds were at Waitui Apr 15 (OCG).

Red-winged Parrot Aprosmictus erythropterus ID No: 280 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Accidental. No reports received for 2000.

Crimson Rosella Platycercus elegans ID No: 282 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Usual resident. Moderately often recorded in the central and E parts of the Region as counts of up to 20 birds. Notable records: 20+ birds were recorded at Apple Tree Flat Jun 10/12 (HBOC).

Eastern Rosella Platycercus eximius ID No: 288 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common resident. Widely and regularly recorded as counts of up to 20 birds. Notable records: 21-50 birds were recorded at Copeland Common Mar 19/20 (HBOC), Waitui Apr 15 (OCG), Hawks Nest/Tea Gardens Apr 16 (OCG), Wingen Apr 18 (NEG), Widden Valley (E7/E8) Apr 22 (TAH), Brimbin N.R. (R4) May 20 (OCG), Bulga Jul 23 (HBOC), Kars Springs (F4) Sep 18 (NEG), Bootawa (Q4) Nov 27/28 (OCG) and Harrington Dec 1/3 (OCG). Birds were inspecting hollows at Burning Mountain N.R. (H4) Oct 23 (NEG).

Swift Parrot Lathamus discolor ID No: 309 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Rare. Large numbers of birds were recorded at Ellalong from an initial 40 birds May 31 (MEJ) through until Jul 29 (many records). The peak count at Ellalong was of 90 birds Jun 19 (KES). Birds were also recorded often at nearby locations of Aberdare S.F. during Jun/Jul (peak count of 15+ birds), Pelton (J10) late Jul (peak count of 20 birds), Quorrobolong Aug 4/19 (peak count of at least 30 birds). Other important locations were Martins Creek (L8) Jul 23 - Aug 27 (peak count of 20 birds - NEM) and Morpeth Jun 1 (30 birds - FON). Some birds (<5) were also present at Bulga Apr 16 (VEE), Swansea South Jun 11 (MOA), North Arm Cove (O8) Jul 15 and Sep 12/22 (HID) and Whitebridge (M10) Aug 27 (GOC). Undoubtedly some of the above records were of the same birds but it is generally considered that at least 100 birds were present in Hunter region during Jun. The birds were mostly utilising Spotted Gum Eucalyptus maculata, which is new behavioural information (KES).

Red-rumped Parrot Psephotus haematonotus ID No: 295 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident. Widely and moderately often recorded as counts of up to 20 birds. Notable records: 50+ birds were recorded at LTP Apr 10 (KEM), and 20+ birds at Stockton Apr 23 (TAN) and Wongalee (H8) Oct 22 (OCG).

Turquoise Parrot Neophema pulchella ID No: 302 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: None recorded Status: Uncommon resident. Five birds were recorded at Howes Valley Apr 2 (CBOC) and single birds at Apple Tree Flat Jun 10/12 (HBOC) and White Box Camp Dec 29 (STA).

Oriental Cuckoo Cuculus saturatus ID No: 336 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Accidental. No reports received for 2000.

Pallid Cuckoo Cuculus pallidus ID No: 337 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Summer migrant One and occasionally two birds were moderately often recorded from mid-Sep onwards. The only records from the first part of the year were of a single bird at Tomalpin S.F. (K9) Jan 29 (HBOC), a bird heard at Balickera Apr 23 (HSE) and an injured bird at Fingal Bay Feb 5 that was treated by Native Animal Trust Fund.

Brush Cuckoo Cacomantis variolosus ID No: 339 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: None recorded Status: Summer migrant. Single birds, where numbers were recorded, were at TWC Jan 4 (KEM), Barrington House Feb 5 (ANC), Copeland S.F. Mar 20 (HBOC), Laguna Oct 13/15 (RDB), Wongalee (H8) Oct 22 (OCG), Milbrodale (I9) Oct 22 (HBOC), Wingen Oct 28 (NEG), Bootawa (Q4) Nov 27/28 (OCG) and Pambalong N.R. Dec 10 & 16/17 (HBOC, MOA). Three birds were at Laguna Nov 11/12 (RDB).

Fan-tailed Cuckoo Cacomantis flabelliformis ID No: 338 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common resident. Widely and regularly recorded, mainly as <5 birds. Notable records: 6+ birds were recorded at Apple Tree Flat Jun 10/12 (HBOC), Waitui Sep 30/Oct 2 (HBOC) and Harrington Dec 1/3 (OCG). A young bird was being fed by White-browed Scrubwren Sericornis frontalis at Green Wattle Creek (L8) Oct 15 (NEM).

Black-eared Cuckoo Chrysococcyx osculans ID No: 341 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: None recorded Status: Accidental. Two birds were recorded at Lake Liddell (H7) Oct 26 (NEG).

Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo Chrysococcyx basalis ID No: 342 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Summer migrant, some birds are present all year. Single birds were recorded at Tahlee/Carrington (O8) Jan 23 (HBOC), Belmont Swamp Jan (LAK), TWC Mar 5 (CCFOC), Bulga Sep 10 (VEE), Ash Island Sep 16 and Oct 14 (HWS), Cundletown (R4) Oct 5 (MVBW), White Box Camp Oct 27 (NEG), Wingen Oct 28 (NEG) and Pambalong N.R. Dec 10 (HBOC). Two birds were at TWC Jan 4 (KEM), Lake Liddell (H7) Oct 26 (NEG) and Pambalong N.R. Dec 28 (NIJ). The bird at Belmont Swamp was a juvenile, and one of the birds at Pambalong N.R. Dec 28 was carrying food.

Shining Bronze-Cuckoo Chrysococcyx lucidus ID No: 344 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Usual summer migrant, some birds are present all year. Widely and often recorded, mostly as single and occasionally two birds. 6+ birds were present at Apple Tree Flat Sep 29/Oct 2 (HSE), Waitui Sep 30/Oct 2 (HBOC) and Harrington Dec 1/3 (OCG). A bird was seen at a nest of Yellow Thornbill Acanthiza nana in the Apple Tree Flat record. Unusually, there were very few records for the period Apr – mid-Sep.

Little Bronze-Cuckoo Chrysococcyx minutillus ID No: 345 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Accidental (recorded in 1992). No reports received for 2000.

Common Koel Eudynamys scolopacea ID No: 347 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Usual summer migrant. Often recorded in the E and central parts of the Region over Jan-Mar and Oct-Dec as counts of 1-5 birds. Notable records: The first recorded arrival was at Toronto (L11) Aug 30 (NBL). There were three records of young birds being fed by Red Wattlebird Anthochaera carunculata – at Charlestown (M10) Jan (LPC), Forster Feb 8 (TUD), and Mallabula (O9) Mar 19 (KEM). Another young bird at Mallabula was being fed by Little Wattlebird Anthochaera chrysoptera Mar 19 (KEM).

Channel-billed Cuckoo Scythrops novaehollandiae ID No: 348 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common summer migrant. Often recorded in the E and central parts of the Region over Jan-Mar and Sep-Dec as counts of 1-5 birds. Notable records: A young bird was being fed by Pied Currawong Strepera graculina at Rathmines (L11) Jan 1 (LIA), and a pair was copulating at Shortland (M10) Sep (BAW).

Pheasant Coucal Centropus phasianinus ID No: 349 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident. Occasionally recorded in the E of the Region, usually as counts of 1-2 birds. Notable records: There were no exceptions to the general description of status.

Powerful Owl Ninox strenua ID No: 248 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Local resident. Single birds were recorded at Laguna Jan 8 (RDB), Glenrock SRA Jan 19 (WCR), Salamander Bay (O9) Jan 28 (ROM), Congewai (J10) Apr 20 and May 21 (HLC, HBOC), NLH Apr 8/12 (LPC), Eleebana Apr 23 (BRE), Balickera Oct 2 (BAA) and Wallingat S.F. Dec 28 (ROM), and a pair at Kilaben Bay (L11) May (via MOA). 1-2 birds were often recorded at BbR over May-Nov and the pair nested there, unsuccessfully, for 3-4 weeks from around Jun 3 (many records).

Barking Owl Ninox connivens ID No: 246 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: Past records Status: Rare. No reports received for 2000.

Southern Boobook Ninox novaeseelandiae ID No: 242 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident. Occasionally but widely recorded as single birds or pairs. Notable records: A pair was with 2 fledged young at Shortland (M10) Dec 12 (STA) and there was also a breeding record from Toronto (L11) Nov 17 (BAA).

Sooty Owl Tyto tenebricosa ID No: 253 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: None recorded Status: Rare. A single bird was recorded at Gloucester Tops late Apr (COL), and two birds at Boarding House Dam (Watagans N.P.) Sep 14 (LIA).

Masked Owl Tyto novaehollandiae ID No: 250 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Rare. Two birds were recorded at Wallingat S.F. Dec 28 (ROM) and a single bird at Medowie (N9) Dec 1 (CDB). Dead birds were found by the roadside at Fern Bay (M10) Nov (BAR) and at nearby Fullerton Cove Rd (M10) Dec 17 (CDB).

Barn Owl Tyto alba ID No: 249 HBOC Category: 1 (Revised) Regional Breeding Status: Past records Status: Resident (probably under-recorded). (Revised from: Uncommon resident) Single birds were occasionally but widely recorded throughout the Region. Two birds were recorded at Hannam Vale (R3) Feb 25 (MVBW), Arrowfield July 4 &14 (BAA, ALP) and Muswellbrook (H6) Aug 25 (NEG). There were 36 records of injured birds being treated by Native Animal Trust Fund.

Grass Owl Tyto capensis ID No: 729 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: None recorded Status: Uncertain. Not recorded since 1998.

Tawny Frogmouth Podargus strigoides ID No: 313 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident. Widely and moderately often recorded, usually as single birds or pairs. Notable records: There were 12 separate breeding records, spanning late Sep to early Dec.

White-throated Nightjar Eurostopodus mystacalis ID No: 330 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident. Three birds were recorded at Balickera Oct 2 (BAA) and single birds at Craven S.F. (N5) Jan 19 (LIA) and Fosterton Loop Rd (M7) Apr 1 (TAH). Birds also were heard at Laguna Jan 22 and Feb 12/13 (RDB).

Spotted Nightjar Eurostopodus argus ID No: 331 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: No (Amended) Status: Accidental (recorded in 1989). No reports received for 2000.

Australian Owlet-nightjar Aegotheles cristatus ID No: 317 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident. Birds were heard or sometimes seen at Copeland Common and Copeland S.F. Mar 19/20 (HBOC), Laguna Feb 12/13, Mar 4 and May 26/28 (RDB), Waitui Feb 29 and Oct 1 (MVBW, BAA), GRNP Big River Mar 27 (BAA), Apple Tree Flat Sep 29 (BAA) and Harrington Dec 10/11 (VEE). A pair had two dependent young at Oyster Cove Oct 10 (BLM).

White-throated Needletail Hirundapus caudacutus ID No: 334 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Summer migrant. Moderately often recorded in the E and central parts of the Region over Jan-Mar and Oct-Dec as counts of up to 20 birds. Notable records: 200+ birds were recorded at Cundletown (R4) Jan 10 (MVBW) and 50-60+ birds at Bayswater Colliery Mar 7/10 (NEG), Warkworth (I8) Mar 9 (ALP), Jerrys Plains Mar 14 (ALP) and Harrington Dec 10/11 (VEE). 21-50 birds were at New Lambton (M10) Feb 16 (JOF), Warkworth Feb 21, Mar 7 & 16 (ALP), Arrowfield Mar 7 (ALP) and Fullerton Cove (M10) Oct 31 (LIA).

Fork-tailed Swift Apus pacificus ID No: 335 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Uncommon summer migrant. No reports received for 2000.

Azure Kingfisher Alcedo azurea ID No: 319 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident. Moderately often recorded in the E of the Region, mainly as single birds and occasionally as pairs. Notable records: Birds were recorded to be breeding at both Brandy Hill (M9) and Balickera Nov 18 (BAA).

Laughing Kookaburra Dacelo novaeguineae ID No: 322 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common resident. Widely and regularly recorded, mainly as <10 birds and usually as 1-5 birds. Notable records: 20+ birds were recorded at Waitui Sep 30/Oct 2 (HBOC) and Harrington Dec 1/3 (OCG). Birds were nesting at Bangalay Reserve (L11) Jan 1 (WMR), Seaham Swamp N.R. Sep 24 (HBOC) and Belmont Nov 6 (DUP).

Forest Kingfisher Todiramphus macleayii ID No: 324 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Accidental (recorded in 1998). No reports received for 2000.

Sacred Kingfisher Todiramphus sanctus ID No: 326 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Usual summer migrant, some birds may be locally resident. Widely and regularly recorded over Jan-Apr and Sep-Dec, mostly as counts of 1-5 birds. Notable records: 6-10 birds were recorded at Waitui Sep 30/Oct 2 (HBOC), Minmi (L10) Oct 3 (HBOC), Harrington Dec 1/3 (OCG) and Jesmond (M10) Dec 5 (HBOC). Birds had nests with young on Jan 26 at both Yarrandi (G5) (NEG) and Bombah Point MLNP (P8) (TUD), and further breeding records were from Balickera Oct 2 (BAA), Vacy (L8) Oct 5 (BAA), Smiths Lake (Q7/R7) Nov 24/25 (JAM) and Swan Bay Dec 9 (HWS).

Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus ID No: 329 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Summer migrant. Occasionally but widely recorded over Jan-Mar and Sep-Dec, mostly as counts of <10 birds. Notable records: 50 birds were recorded at Wingen Mar 12 (NEG) and 40+ birds at Crowdy Bay N.P. (S3) Jan 20 (MVBW). Also, 15 birds were at Wyee Point Feb 10 (MDV).

Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis ID No: 318 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Summer migrant. Widely and frequently recorded over Jan-Mar and Sep-Dec, mostly as counts of 1-5 birds. Notable records: 20+ birds were recorded at Harrington Dec 1/3 (OCG), ten birds at New Lambton (M10) Dec 14 (STA) and Redhead Dec 21 & 24 (GJC), seven birds at Jesmond (M10) Dec 5 (HBOC) and six birds at Aberglasslyn (L9) Nov 12 (GOD). Birds were feeding fledged young at Forster Jan 14/15 (TUD) and were carrying food at Owens Hill Gap (G5) Jan 26 (NEG).

Noisy Pitta Pitta versicolor ID No: 352 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: None recorded Status: Uncommon summer migrant (Revised from: Rare). Single birds, where numbers were noted, were recorded at Avon River S.F. (M5) Jan 19 (LIA), Copeland Common Mar 19/20 (HBOC), Copeland S.F. Mar 20 (HBOC), Waitui Apr 15 (OCG), Harrington Sep 6/11 (MVBW), Woko N.P. (M3) Nov 2 (NEM) and Problem Creek (M6) Nov 27 (JED). Several birds were at Waitui Sep 30/Oct 2 (HBOC). The birds at Problem Creek and Copeland Common were juveniles.

Superb Lyrebird Menura novaehollandiae ID No: 350 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Past records Status: Usual resident. Often recorded in the central part of the Region as counts of 1-2 birds. Notable records: Five birds were recorded at Laguna Jan 8, May 6/7 and May 26/28 (RDB). Three birds were at Sharpes Creek (M5) Mar 1 (BAR).

Rufous Scrub-bird Atrichornis rufescens ID No: 355 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: None recorded Status: Local resident. In late Jan, six birds were detected by sight or by call during a survey by Birds Australia at sites around Gloucester Tops and The Mountaineer (cells L5/M5) (EKP). Two were calling at Gloucester Tops Road Sep 4 (EKP), and single birds were also recorded in this general area Mar 5 and Sep 24/25 (BAR, FIM).

White-throated Treecreeper Cormobates leucophaeus ID No: 558 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common resident. Widely and regularly recorded as counts of <10 birds and predominantly as 1-5 birds. Notable records: Birds were breeding at Balickera Oct 2 (BAA), and also were carrying food at Ridgelands Road (F5) Sep 18 (NEG).

Red-browed Treecreeper Climacteris erythrops ID No: 560 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Uncommon resident. Eight birds were recorded at Laguna May 26/28 and a single bird there Mar 4 (RDB), and ten birds at Gloucester Tops Oct 1 (ROM).

Brown Treecreeper Climacteris picumnus ID No: 555 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Usual resident. Moderately often recorded in the W and central parts of the Region, mostly as 1-5 birds. Notable records: 6+ birds were recorded at Lake Liddell (H7) Oct 26 (NEG). Birds were nesting at GRNP Oct 27 and had dependent young at Battery Rocks (E6) Oct 11 (both BAA), and also were carrying food at Owens Hill Gap (G5) Jan 26 and Ridgelands Road (F5) Sep 18 (both NEG).

Superb Fairy-wren Malurus cyaneus ID No: 529 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common resident. Widely and regularly recorded as counts of up to 20 birds, and often as counts of 21-50 birds. Notable records: 50+ birds were recorded at Harrington Dec 1/3 (OCG). There were several breeding records, spanning Jan and Sep-Dec.

Variegated Fairy-wren Malurus lamberti ID No: 536 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Usual resident. Regularly recorded in the E and central parts of the Region as counts of up to 1-5 birds and frequently as up to 20 birds. Notable records: 20+ birds were recorded at Tahlee/Carrington (O8) Jan 23 (HBOC) and Harrington Dec 1/3 (OCG). Birds had dependent young at SBS Feb 13 (HLC) and were nesting at Wyee Point Nov 1, Balickera Nov 6 (both BAA) and Harrington Dec 1/3 (OCG).

Red-backed Fairy-wren Malurus melanocephalus ID No: 541 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Past records Status: Uncommon resident, in north of Region. A male and a female bird were recorded at two separate locations around Harrington Dec 11/12 (VEE).

Southern Emu-wren Stipiturus malachurus ID No: 526 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident, locally common. 6+ birds were recorded at Balickera Apr 23 (HSE) and Hawks Nest/Tea Gardens Apr 16 (OCG). 1-5 birds were at Belmont Swamp Jan and Oct (LAK), Wyee Point Feb 13 (MDV), TWC Jun 25 and Nov (WCR, LIA), Macquarie Coal Prep Plant (L11) Jun 21 (BAA), Freemans Waterhole (K10) Aug 27 (HLC), Warakeila (L6) Oct 7 (NEM) and Woko N.P. (M3) Nov 2 (NEM). Birds were breeding at Balickera Nov 6 (BAA).

Spotted Pardalote Pardalotus punctatus ID No: 565 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common resident. Widely and regularly recorded, mostly as counts of 1-5 birds but with counts of up to 20 birds being not uncommon. Notable records: 20+ birds were recorded at Owens Hill Gap (G5) Jan 26 and Wingen Apr 18 and Sep 3 (all NEG records). There were several breeding records, spanning Jul-Sep.

Striated Pardalote Pardalotus striatus ID No: 976 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Usual resident. Widely and frequently recorded as counts of 1-5 birds. Notable records: 20+ birds were recorded at Apple Tree Flat Sep 29/Oct 2 (HSE), and 6-20 birds at Owens Hill Gap (G5) Jan 26, Wingen Sep 3 and Dry Creek Parkville (H4) Oct 25 (all NEG records) and Bootawa (Q4) Nov 27/28 (OCG). Birds were nest building at Martins Creek (L8) Aug 20 and were nesting at Milbrodale (I9) Oct 22 (both HBOC).

Pilotbird Pycnoptilus floccosus ID No: 506 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: None recorded Status: Uncertain. A bird was heard calling in the Mellong Ranges near Three Ways Wollemi N.P. (F10) Dec 2 (LIA) – this represents a range extension for this species.

Rockwarbler Origma solitaria ID No: 505 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident. Eight birds were recorded at Laguna May 26/28 (RDB), and lesser numbers (mostly 1-2 birds) there many times during the year (RDB). 1-5 birds, where numbers were noted, were at Big River GRNP (C6) Mar 27 (BAA), Howes Valley Apr 2 (CBOC), Milbrodale (I9) Apr 20 and Oct 22 (MOA, HBOC), Apple Tree Flat Jun 10/12 (HBOC), Stockyard Creek (I10) Aug 26 (BAA) and Condon Creek Putty (F10) Dec 2 (BAA).

Yellow-throated Scrubwren Sericornis citreogularis ID No: 493 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident. 6+ birds were recorded at Copeland S.F. Mar 20 (HBOC) and 1-5 birds, where numbers were noted, were at Tabbil Forest (M7) Feb 26 (HBOC), Hillville Dam (Q4) Mar 18 (MVBW), Copeland Common Mar 19/20 (HBOC), Waitui Apr 15 and Sep 30/Oct 2 (OCG, HBOC), Gloucester Tops late Apr (COL) and Harrington Dec 1/3 (OCG). Birds were nesting at Copeland Common.

White-browed Scrubwren Sericornis frontalis ID No: 488 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common resident. Widely and regularly recorded, mainly as counts of 1-5 birds but with counts of up to 20 birds being not uncommon. Notable records: There were several breeding records spanning Jan and Aug-Oct, and birds were feeding a young Fan-tailed Cuckoo Cacomantis flabelliformis at Green Wattle Creek (L8) Oct 15 (BAA).

Large-billed Scrubwren Sericornis magnirostris ID No: 494 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident. 6+ birds were recorded at Copeland S.F. Mar 20 (HBOC), Wollemi N.P. (I8) Apr 20 (MOA) and Waitui Sep 30/Oct 2 (HBOC). 1-5 birds, where numbers were noted, were at Tabbil Forest (M7) Feb 26 (HBOC), Copeland Common Mar 19/20 (HBOC), Hawks Nest/Tea Gardens Apr 16 (OCG), Gloucester Tops late Apr (COL), Congewai (J10) May 21 (HBOC) and Harrington Sep 7/10 (MVBW).

Chestnut-rumped Heathwren Hylacola pyrrhopygia ID No: 498 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: None recorded Status: Uncommon resident, possibly overlooked. Some birds, numbers not noted, were at White Box Camp Mar 27 (MOA) and Killingworth (L10) Sep 7 (LIA).

Speckled Warbler Chthonicola sagittata ID No: 504 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident. Often recorded in the W and central parts of the Region as counts of up to 20 birds. Notable records: 100+ birds were recorded at Bulga Apr 16 (VEE). Birds had nests at Lake Liddell (H7) Oct 26 (NEG), Wingen Oct 28 (NEG) and Giants Creek Road (F6) Oct 29 (BAA), and also were carrying food at Ridgelands Road (F5) Sep 18 (NEG).

Weebill Smicrornis brevirostris ID No: 465 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident. Often recorded in the W and central parts of the Region as counts of up to 20 birds. Notable records: 20+ birds were recorded at Apple Tree Flat Jun 10/12 and Bulga Jul 23 (both HBOC). Birds had a nest with eggs at Lake Liddell (H7) Oct 26 (NEG).

Brown Gerygone Gerygone mouki ID No: 454 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Usual resident. Often recorded in the E and central parts of the Region as counts of up 20 birds, and with counts of 21-50 birds being not uncommon. Notable records: 20+ birds were recorded at Waitui Sep 30/Oct 2 (HBOC). Birds were nest building at East Seaham (M8) Sep 24 (HBOC) and nesting at Boondelbah Island Mar 23 and Balickera Oct 2 & Nov 6 (all BAA records), and were feeding fledged young at Copeland S.F. Mar 20 (HBOC).

Mangrove Gerygone Gerygone levigaster ID No: 460 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident. Often recorded at mangrove areas as counts of 1-5 birds. Notable records: 6+ birds were recorded at Stockton Mar 5 (CBOC) and Ash Island Apr 16 (GOD).

Western Gerygone Gerygone fusca ID No: 463 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: Past records Status: Rare. 1-2 birds were recorded at Wingen Mar 9 (NEG), Bulga Jul 23 and Sep 10 (HBOC, VEE), Jerrys Plains Sep 10 (VEE), Lake Liddell (H7) Oct 26 (NEG) and Redmanvale (H8) Oct 29 (MOA).

White-throated Gerygone Gerygone olivacea ID No: 453 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Summer migrant. Widely and frequently recorded over Jan-Mar and Sep-Dec as counts of 1-5 birds. Notable records: Winter records were of single birds at Medowie (N9) Jun 8 (CDB), Bobs Farm (O9) Jul 11 (CDB) and Bulga Jul 23 (HBOC). 6+ birds were at Vacy Apr 1 (TAH). Birds were nest building at Broke Oct 7 (BAA) and were nesting at East Seaham (M8) Sep 24 (HBOC), Yango Creek Road (I11) Sep 30 (BAA) and Smiths Lake (Q7/R7) Nov 24/25 (JAM).

Brown Thornbill Acanthiza pusilla ID No: 475 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common resident. Widely and regularly recorded as counts of up to 20 birds. Notable records: 21-50 birds were recorded at Hawks Nest/Tea Gardens Apr 16 (OCG), Waitui Sep 30/Oct 2 (HBOC) and Harrington Dec 1/3 (OCG). Birds were nesting at Balickera Oct 2 & Nov 6 (BAA) and Dry Creek Parkville (H4) Oct 25 (NEG).

Buff-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza reguloides ID No: 484 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident. Often recorded in the central and W parts of the Region as counts of up to 20 birds. Notable records: Birds had dependent young at Wingen Sep 3 and again were on nest there Oct 28 (NEG).

Yellow-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza chrysorrhoa ID No: 486 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common resident. Widely and often recorded as counts of up to 20 birds. Notable records: 20+ birds were recorded at Apple Tree Flat Jun 10/12 and Bulga Jul 23 (both HBOC). Birds were nest building at Martins Creek (L8) Aug 20 (HBOC) and were nesting at Liddell (I7) Oct 26 (BAA).

Yellow Thornbill Acanthiza nana ID No: 471 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Usual resident. Widely and regularly recorded as counts of up to 20 birds. Notable records: 21-50 birds were recorded at TWC Jan 4 (KEM), Brimbin N.R. (R4) May 20 (OCG), Apple Tree Flat Jun 10/12 and Sep 29/Oct 2 (HBOC, HSE), Bulga Jul 23 (HBOC) and Bootawa (Q4) Nov 27/28 (OCG). There were several breeding records spanning Jan and Sep-Nov, including a nest being raided by Shining Bronze-Cuckoo Chrysococcyx lucidus at Apple Tree Flat (HSE).

Striated Thornbill Acanthiza lineata ID No: 470 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident. Widely and moderately often recorded as counts of up to 20 birds. Notable records: Birds had a nest with young at Warakeila (L6) Oct 7 (NEM).

Southern Whiteface Aphelocephala leucopsis ID No: 466 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: Past records Status: Uncommon resident in W of Region. No reports received for 2000.

Red Wattlebird Anthochaera carunculata ID No: 638 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident. Widely and often recorded as counts of up to 20 birds, and mostly as 1-5 birds. Notable records: 50+ birds were recorded at Hawks Nest/Tea Gardens area (P8?) Apr 16 (OCG), and 22 birds at LTP Apr 10 (KEM). Birds were feeding a young Common Koel Eudynamys scolopacea at Forster Feb 8 (TUD) and Mallabula (O9) Mar 19 (KEM). There were also several breeding records spanning Sep-Dec.

Little Wattlebird Anthochaera chrysoptera ID No: 637 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common resident. Regularly recorded near to the coast as counts of up to 20 birds. Notable records: 50+ birds were recorded at Harrington Dec 1/3 and Hawks Nest/Tea Gardens Apr 16 (both OCG), and 20+ birds at Belmont Swamp May (LAK) and Harrington Sep 30 (STA). Birds were feeding a young Common Koel Eudynamys scolopacea at a nest at Mallabula (O9) Mar 19 (KEM).

Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater Acanthagenys rufogularis ID No: 640 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: None recorded Status: Accidental (new to list). A single bird was recorded at Waratah Feb 8 (PRD).

Striped Honeyeater Plectorhyncha lanceolata ID No: 585 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident. Widely and moderately often recorded as counts of 1-5 birds. Notable records: Ten birds were recorded at Bulga Apr 16 and 6+ birds there Jul 23 (VEE, HBOC). Birds were on nest at Lake Liddell (H7) Oct 26 (NEG).

Noisy Friarbird Philemon corniculatus ID No: 645 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Usual resident. Widely and regularly recorded as counts of up to 20 birds, and moderately often as counts of up to 50 birds. Notable records: Birds were on nest at Jesmond (M10) Dec 5 (HBOC) and also were nest building at Laguna Sep 8/10 (RDB).

Little Friarbird Philemon citreogularis ID No: 646 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Bird of passage. Eight birds were recorded at Martindale (G7) Apr 22 and a single bird there Jun 29 (TAH). 6+ birds were at Wyee Point Sep 5 (HBOC) and a single bird near Bunnan (F5) Sep 18 (NEG).

Regent Honeyeater Xanthomyza phrygia ID No: 603 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Bird of passage. 35 birds were recorded at Aberdare S.F. Jun 18 (KES) and lesser numbers there through until Jul 9 (several reports). 40+ birds were then recorded at Quorrobolong Jul 29 (MDV) and through most of Aug, with the count peaking at 63 birds Aug 5 (several reports). 13 birds were also present at Ellalong Sep 13 (LAT) and four birds at South Swansea May 20/21 (MOA). Two pairs had nests at Quorrobolong Aug 19 (MOA).

Blue-faced Honeyeater Entomyzon cyanotis ID No: 641 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident. Occasionally but widely recorded as counts of 1-5 birds. Notable records: 6-8 birds were recorded at Tahlee/Carrington (O8) Jan 23 (HBOC), Bolwarra Feb and Oct 3 (TAH) and Bombah Point MLNP (P8) Apr 28 (TAN). Birds had a nest with young at Bombah Point Jan 26 and were again nesting there Apr 1 (TUD), and also had dependent young at Merriwa (E5) Nov 16 (MOA).

Bell Miner Manorina melanophrys ID No: 633 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident. Moderately often recorded in the E and central parts of the Region as counts of 10-30 birds. Notable records: 100+ birds were recorded at Flaggy Creek Whitebridge (M10) Apr 30 (GJC) and 51-100 birds at Telegherry Forest Park (M6) Jun 10 (TAN) and Glenrock SRA Nov 7 (HBOC). 21-50 birds were at Pambalong N.R. Feb 12 (MOA), Bangalay Reserve (L11) Mar 7 (HBOC), Wollemi N.P. (I8) Apr 20 (MOA), Congewai (J10) May 21 (HBOC), Glenrock SRA Jun 7 (TAN) and Swansea South Jun 11 (MOA).

Noisy Miner Manorina melanocephela ID No: 634 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common resident. Widely and regularly recorded as counts of up to 20 birds, and moderately often as counts of 21-50 birds. Notable records: There were several breeding records, spanning Jan and Sep-Oct.

Lewin's Honeyeater Meliphaga lewinii ID No: 605 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common resident. Regularly recorded in the E and central parts of the Region as counts of 1-5 birds, and often as counts of up to 20 birds. Notable records: 50+ birds were recorded in the Hawks Nest/Tea Gardens area Apr 16 (OCG), and 21-50 birds at Tabbil Forest (M7) Feb 26 (HBOC), Copeland S.F. Mar 20 (HBOC), Waitui Apr 15 and Sep 30/Oct 2 (OCG, HBOC) and Apple Tree Flat Jun 10/12 (HBOC). Birds were breeding at Balickera Nov 6 (BAA).

Yellow-faced Honeyeater Lichenostomus chrysops ID No: 614 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common resident, with influxes in autumn/winter. Widely and regularly recorded as counts of up to 30 birds over Jan-Mar and Sep-Dec, and as counts of up to 100 birds during Apr-Aug when southern birds are on migration passage. Notable records: 600+ birds were recorded flying over at Woodberry (M9) Apr 30 (SJR). 100+ birds were at Wollemi N.P. (H8) Apr 20 (MOA), Congewai (J10) May 21 (HBOC), Swansea South Jun 11 (MOA) and Quorrobolong Aug 4 (MOA). 50+ birds were at Minmi (L10) Oct 3 (HBOC). Birds had a nest with eggs at Laguna Jan 8 and were again nesting there Sep 8/10 (RDB), and also were breeding at Balickera Nov 6 (BAA).

Singing Honeyeater Lichenostomus virescens ID No: 608 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Accidental (recorded in 1993, 1997, 1998). No reports received for 2000.

White-eared Honeyeater Lichenostomus leucotis ID No: 617 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Past records Status: Resident. Moderately often recorded in the W and central parts of the Region as counts of 1-5 birds. Notable records: 6+ birds were recorded at Wingen Sep 3 (NEG).

Yellow-tufted Honeyeater Lichenostomus melanops ID No: 619 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident. Occasionally but widely recorded as counts of up to 20 birds. Notable records: 21-50 birds were recorded at Tomalpin S.F. (K9) Jan 29 (HBOC), Apple Tree Flat Jun 10/12 (HBOC), Aberdare S.F. Jun 22 & 24 (MOA) and Jesmond (M10) Jul 23 (GIK). Birds had dependent young at Tomalpin S.F. Jan 29 and were feeding fledged young at Black Rock Road (L8) Sep 16 (BAA).

Fuscous Honeyeater Lichenostomus fuscus ID No: 613 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident. Moderately often recorded in the W and central parts of the Region as counts of up to 20 birds. Notable records: 21-50 birds were recorded at Singleton Army Range (J8) Jul 26 (HSE), Quorrobolong Aug 4 (MOA), Widden Valley (E7/E8) Aug 5 (TAH) and White Box Camp Oct 27 (NEG). An easterly record was of four birds at Swansea South Jul 27 (MOA).

White-plumed Honeyeater Lichenostomus penicillatus ID No: 625 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Usual resident. Moderately often recorded in the W and central parts of the Region as counts of up to 20 birds. Notable records: Easterly records were of single birds at TWC/Shortland Jan 4, Apr 10 and Jul 6 (KEM, LIA, LPC), and two birds at Cundletown (R4) Mar 30 (MVBW).

Black-chinned Honeyeater Melithreptus gularis ID No: 580 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Uncommon resident in central/west of Region. 7+ birds were recorded at Aberdare S.F. Jun 24 (MOA) and there were several reports from this location over the following weeks, with the peak count being of 20 birds Jul 9 (ROM). Some birds were again present there Sep 23 (BAA). Two groups each of at least ten birds were at Green Wattle Creek (L8) Aug 12 (NEM). 1-5 birds, where numbers were noted, were also recorded at Broke Road (J9) Jun 10 (LIT), Quorrobolong Aug 4 (FOC), Martins Creek (L8) Aug 13 (NEM), Honeysuckle Creek (D7) Sep 10 (MOA) and Bootawa (Q4) Nov 27/28 (OCG).

Brown-headed Honeyeater Melithreptus brevirostris ID No: 583 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes (Revised) Status: Resident, uncommon in E of Region. Widely and moderately often recorded in W and central parts of the Region as counts of up to 20 birds. Notable records: Birds were breeding at Balickera Oct 2 (BAA) – this is the first breeding record for the Region since 1986.

White-naped Honeyeater Melithreptus lunatus ID No: 578 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Usual resident. Often recorded in the E and central parts of the Region over Jan-Mar and Aug- Dec as counts of up to 20 birds, and with counts of 21-50 birds being not uncommon over Apr-Jul. Notable records: 50+ birds were recorded at Martindale (G7) Apr 22 (TAH). Outside of the peak migration period, 21-50 birds were at Quorrobolong Aug 4 (MOA) and Wyee Point Sep 5 (HBOC). Birds were at nesting at Martins Creek (L8) Sep 1 (BAA).

Brown Honeyeater Lichmera indistincta ID No: 597 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident. 20+ birds were recorded at Salt Ash May 8 (ROM) and Harrington Dec 1/3 (OCG). 1-5 birds were often present at TWC and also at Stockton Sep 16 and Oct 14 (HWS).

Painted Honeyeater Grantiella picta ID No: 598 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: Past records Status: Accidental. Not recorded since 1993.

Crescent Honeyeater Phylidonyris pyrrhoptera ID No: 630 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: None recorded Status: Local resident. Single birds were recorded at Gloucester Tops Mar 1 and Sep 4 (BAR, EKP).

New Holland Honeyeater Phylidonyris novaehollandiae ID No: 631 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes (amended) Status: Resident. 20+ birds were recorded at Awabakal N.R. Aug 1 (HBOC). 1-5 birds, where numbers were noted, were at Merewether (M10) Jan-Mar and Sep 6 (GOP), Hawks Nest/Tea Gardens Apr 16 (OCG), Wyee Point Sep 5 (HBOC) and Harrington Sep 7/10 (MVBW).

White-cheeked Honeyeater Phylidonyris nigra ID No: 632 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident. Regularly recorded in the E of the Region as counts of up to 20 birds, and with counts of up to 50 birds being not uncommon. Notable records: Birds were feeding fledged young at Pipers Bay (R6) Oct 6 (TUD).

Tawny-crowned Honeyeater Phylidonyris melanops ID No: 593 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Local resident. 1-5 birds were recorded at Awabakal N.R. Aug 1 (HBOC) and BBNP Dec 29 (ROM).

Eastern Spinebill Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris ID No: 591 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Usual resident. Widely and regularly recorded as counts of up to 20 birds. Notable records: 20+ birds were recorded at Waitui Sep 30/Oct 2 (HBOC), and birds were breeding at HRBG Oct 8 (HBOC) and Balickera Nov 6 (BAA).

Scarlet Honeyeater Myzomela sanguinolenta ID No: 586 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident. Often recorded in the E and central parts of the Region as counts of 1-5 birds, and occasionally as counts of up to 20 birds. Notable records: 20+ birds were recorded at Tomalpin S.F. (K9) Jan 29 and Waitui Sep 30/ Oct 2 (both HBOC), and there was a large influx into both Forster and BBNP Sep 30 (TUD).

White-fronted Chat Epthianura albifrons ID No: 448 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Local resident. Up to 25 birds were regularly recorded at both Ash Island and KI/Stockton all year, and 29 birds were at KI Apr 8 (HWS). Some birds (<5) were at Swan Bay Sep 16, Oct 15 and Dec 9 (HWS), and five birds were at Forster Mar 3 (MVBW).

Jacky Winter Microeca fascinans ID No: 377 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Usual resident. Widely and often recorded as counts of 1-5 birds. Notable records: 6+ birds were recorded at Apple Tree Flat Jun 10/12 and Sep 29/Oct 2 (HBOC, HSE), Bulga Jul 23 (HBOC) and Waitui Sep 30/Oct 2 (HBOC). Birds were breeding at Balickera Nov 6 (BAA).

Scarlet Robin Petroica multicolor ID No: 380 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Resident (and altitudinal migrant). Seven birds were recorded at Bulga Jul 23 (HBOC) and three male birds there Apr 16 (VEE). At least four birds were at Apple Tree Flat Jun 10/12 (HBOC), and single birds were recorded at Howes Valley Apr 2 (CBOC) and Blackalls Park (L11) Jul 22 (GRN).

Red-capped Robin Petroica goodenovii ID No: 381 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Uncommon resident. Up to nine birds were often recorded at Bulga (several reports). Two male birds were at Apple Tree Flat Sep 29/Oct 2 (HSE), and also two birds were at Wingen Oct 28 (NEG).

Flame Robin Petroica phoenicea ID No: 382 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: None recorded Status: Resident. Three pairs were recorded at Gloucester Tops Oct 6 (NEM), and some birds (numbers not noted) were at Sharpes Creek (M5) Jan 16 (BEA).

Rose Robin Petroica rosea ID No: 384 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Past records Status: Usual resident (and altitudinal migrant). 1-5 birds were moderately often recorded throughout the Region, with the majority of reports being from the period Apr-Jul. 6+ birds were at Apple Tree Flat Jun 10/12 and Waitui Sep 30/Oct 2 (both HBOC).

Hooded Robin Melanodryas cucullata ID No: 385 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident, in west of Region. The reporting rate was much increased, and 1-5 birds were moderately often recorded all year. Eleven birds were recorded at Bulga Apr 16 (VEE). Birds had a nest with eggs at Lake Liddell (H7) Oct 26 (NEG).

Pale-yellow Robin Tregellasia capito ID No: 396 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: Past records Status: Local resident. Four birds were recorded at Barrington House Feb 5 (ANC), three birds at Copeland S.F. Mar 20 (HBOC), and a single bird at Fosterton Loop (M7) Apr 1 (TAH). Some birds were also at Chichester Dam (M6) Feb 2/4 (MVBW) – numbers were not noted.

Eastern Yellow Robin Eopsaltria australis ID No: 392 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common resident. Widely and regularly recorded, mostly as counts of 1-5 birds and occasionally as counts of up to 20 birds. Notable records: 20+ birds were recorded at Waitui Sep 30/Oct 2 (HBOC) and Harrington Dec 1/3 (OCG). There were several breeding records, spanning Jan- Mar and Sep-Oct.

Logrunner Orthonyx temminckii ID No: 434 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Past records Status: Local resident. 1-5 birds were recorded at Watagans Mountains Jan 30 (NBL), Copeland S.F. Mar 20 (HBOC), Hannam Vale (R3) Apr 15 (MVBW), Waitui Sep 30/Oct 2 (HBOC), Barrington House Oct 29 (ANC) and East Watagans Nov 8 (BIA).

Grey-crowned Babbler Pomatostomus temporalis ID No: 443 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident. 1-5 birds were occasionally recorded in the central and W of the Region, and 6- 20 birds were at Balickera Apr 23 (HSE), Bulga Jul 23 and Sep 10 (HBOC, VEE), Singleton Army Range (J8) Jul 26 (HSE) and Redmanvale (H8) Oct 29 (MOA). Birds were nest building at Rutherford (L9) May 10 (TAH) and were carrying food at Wingen Sep 3 (NEG).

White-browed Babbler Pomatostomus superciliosus ID No: 445 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Past records Status: Local resident. Eleven birds were recorded at White Box Camp May 21 (ROM).

Eastern Whipbird Psophodes olivaceus ID No: 421 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common resident. Widely and regularly recorded as counts of up to 10 birds. Notable records: 20+ birds were recorded at Waitui Sep 30/Oct 2 (HBOC), and birds were nesting at Wyee Point Nov 1 and Pinny Beach (L11) Sep 21 (BAA).

Spotted Quail-thrush Cinclosoma punctatum ID No: 436 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident. Three birds were recorded at Mount Sugarloaf (L10) Jul 20 (GIK), Putty (G10) Jul 28 (FOC) and Laguna Nov 25/26 (RDB). Two birds were at Pokolbin S.F. (J9) Sep 3 (TAN) and Kars Springs (F4) Sep 18 (NEG), and a single bird at Watagans S.F. Sep 15 (NEM).

Varied Sittella Daphoenositta chrysoptera ID No: 549 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident. Widely and moderately often recorded as counts of up to 20 birds. Notable records: There were no exceptions to the general description of status.

Crested Shrike-tit Falcunculus frontatus ID No: 416 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident. Moderately often recorded in the E and central parts of the Region as counts of 1-2 birds. Notable records: Three birds were at Copeland S.F. Mar 20 (HBOC) and Telegherry Forest Park (M6) Jun 10 (TAN). Birds were copulating at Lake Liddell (H7) Oct 26 (NEG).

Crested Bellbird Oreoica gutturalis ID No: 419 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Accidental (recorded in 1987). No reports received for 2000.

Olive Whistler Pachycephala olivacea ID No: 405 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: None recorded Status: Resident, of highland areas. Five birds were recorded at Gloucester Tops Oct 1 (ROM), and some birds were also at Sharpes Creek (M5) Jan 16 (BEA) and the Mountaineer Trail (L5/M5) Nov 26 (BAA).

Golden Whistler Pachycephala pectoralis ID No: 398 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common resident. Widely and regularly recorded as counts of up to 10 birds and mostly as <5 birds. Notable records: 20+ birds were recorded at Harrington Dec 1/3 (OCG). Birds were nesting at Balickera Nov 6 (BAA), and were feeding fledged young at Copeland S.F. Mar 20 and Milbrodale (I9) Oct 22 (both HBOC).

Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris ID No: 401 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common summer migrant and local resident. Widely and regularly recorded over Jan-Apr and Sep-Dec as counts of up to 20 birds but mostly as 1-5 birds. Notable records: 6+ birds were recorded at Kars Springs (F4) Sep 18 (NEG). A late record was of a pair at WWW May 6 (TAN). Birds were on nest at Lake Liddell (H7) Oct 26 (NEG), and were also breeding at Balickera Nov 6 (BAA).

Little Shrike-thrush Colluricincla megarhyncha ID No: 413 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: None recorded Status: Uncertain No reports received for 2000.

Grey Shrike-thrush Colluricincla harmonica ID No: 408 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common resident. Widely and regularly recorded, mostly as counts of 1-5 birds. Notable records: 20+ birds were recorded at Waitui Sep 30/Oct 2 (HBOC) and Harrington Dec 1/3 (OCG), and 6+ birds at Singleton Army Range (J8) Jul 26 (HSE) and Wingen Sep 3 (NEG). Birds were nesting at Chatham (Q4) Oct (MVBW).

Black-faced Monarch Monarcha melanopsis ID No: 373 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Usual summer migrant. Moderately often recorded over Jan-Mar and Sep-Dec as counts of 1-5 birds. Notable records: 20+ birds were recorded at Waitui Sep 30/Oct 2 (HBOC) and 6+ birds at Copeland S.F. Mar 20 (HBOC) and Harrington Dec 1/3 (OCG). Late records were of single birds at Shortland (M10) Apr 1 (LIA), Newcastle University Apr 3 (TAH) and Belmont Swamp Apr 11 (LAK). Birds were breeding at Balickera Nov 6 (BAA).

Spectacled Monarch Monarcha trivirgatus ID No: 375 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Uncommon summer migrant. 1-2 birds were recorded at Craven S.F. (N5) Jan 19 (LIA), Tabbil Forest (M7) Feb 26 (HBOC), Copeland S.F. Mar 20 (HBOC), Waitui Sep 30/Oct 2 (HBOC), Minmi (L10) Oct 3 (HBOC), Moto (R4) Oct 15 (MVBW), Renwick S.F. (O7) Nov 22 (NEM). 1-2 birds were also at Harrington Jan 20 and through Sep (MVBW, STA), while four birds were there Dec 10/11 (VEE).

Leaden Flycatcher Myiagra rubecula ID No: 365 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Summer migrant. Moderately often recorded over Jan-Mar and from mid-Sep onwards, as counts of up to 5 birds. Notable records: 6+ birds were recorded at Apple Tree Flat Sep 29/Oct 2 (HSE). A late record was of a bird heard at Congewai (J10) May 21 (HBOC). Birds were breeding at Balickera Nov 6 and had dependent young at Johnsons Hill MLNP (P7) Dec 20 (both BAA).

Satin Flycatcher Myiagra cyanoleuca ID No: 366 HBOC Category: 3 (Revised) Regional Breeding Status: Yes (Amended) Status: Rare. The reporting rate for this species was high compared to other years and often from locations considered to be unusual – in particular, from near-coastal habitats outside of the time of migration passage. Since differentiation from M. inquieta can be difficult, the Records Appraisal Committee has decided that supporting information will be necessary for all reports of this species.

Restless Flycatcher Myiagra inquieta ID No: 369 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Past records Status: Resident. 1-2 birds were moderately often recorded throughout the Region all year.

Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca ID No: 415 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common resident. Widely and regularly recorded as counts of up to 20 birds. Notable records: 60+ birds were recorded at Williamtown (N9) Feb 27 (ROM) and a similar high count at Morpeth Jun 22 (FON). 20+ birds were at Harrington Dec 1/3 (OCG) and Pambalong N.R. Dec 16/17 (MOA). There were several breeding records, spanning Jan and Oct-Nov.

Rufous Fantail Rhipidura rufifrons ID No: 362 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Usual summer migrant. Moderately often recorded in the E of the Region from Jan until mid-Apr and from late Sep onwards, as counts of 1-5 birds. Notable records: 6+ birds were recorded at Bangalay Reserve (L11) Mar 7 and Copeland S.F. Mar 20 (both HBOC). A late record was of a single bird at Stockton (an unusual location) Apr 23 (TAN) – this bird may have been on passage.

Grey Fantail Rhipidura fuliginosa ID No: 361 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common resident. Widely and regularly recorded as counts of up to 20 birds. Notable records: 21-50 birds were recorded at Bangalay Reserve (L11) Mar 7 (HBOC), Fosterton Loop (M7) Apr 1 (TAH), Hawks Nest/Tea Gardens Apr 16 (OCG), Waitui Sep 30/Oct 2 (HBOC) and Harrington Dec 1/3 (OCG). There were several breeding records, spanning Jan and Oct-Nov.

Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys ID No: 364 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common resident. Widely and regularly recorded as counts of 1-5 birds and occasionally as up to 10 birds. Notable records: 20+ birds were recorded at Pambalong N.R. Dec 28 (NIJ). Birds had dependent young at TWC Jan 4 (KEM), Pambalong N.R. Dec 10 (HBOC) and Moorland (R3) Oct 21 (TUD).

Spangled Drongo Dicrurus bracteatus ID No: 673 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Winter migrant and bird of passage. Moderately often recorded in the E of the Region over Apr- Oct as counts of 1-5 birds. Notable records: Single birds were recorded at Harrington Jan 14 (CBOC), Hamilton (M10) Feb 2 (ADJ), TWC Mar 4 (CCFOC), and at Belmont Swamp from Jan 28 onwards (LAK). 6+ birds were at Belmont Swamp May (LAK), Swansea Aug 4 (ROS) and Black Neds Bay (L11) Aug 5 (ANC).

Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novaehollandiae ID No: 424 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common resident. Widely and regularly recorded as counts of up to 20 birds but mostly as 1-5 birds. Notable records: 20+ birds were recorded in the Harrington area Dec 1/3 (OCG). Birds were nesting at Ash Island Oct 28 (BIA) and had dependent young at Bolwarra Dec (TAH).

Barred Cuckoo-shrike Coracina lineata ID No: 428 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: None recorded Status: Uncertain A single bird was recorded at Harrington Jan 14 (VEE).

White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike Coracina papuensis ID No: 425 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Uncommon resident. 1-2 birds were recorded at Bulga Apr 16 (VEE), Quorrobolong Aug 4/5 (MOA) and Harrington Dec 10/11 (VEE). Some birds (numbers were not noted) were also at Harrington Sep 6/11 (MVBW), Testers Hollow (L9) Sep 11 (BAA) and Green Wattle Creek (L8) Aug 12 and Oct 15 (NEM).

Cicadabird Coracina tenuirostris ID No: 429 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Summer migrant. Moderately often recorded in the central and E parts of the Region from Jan to mid-Mar and from mid-Sep onwards, as counts of 1-2 birds. Notable records: Up to six birds were present at Harrington during early Dec (OCG, VEE), and three birds were at Laguna Nov 11/12 (RDB).

Ground Cuckoo-shrike Coracina maxima ID No: 423 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Accidental. A single bird was recorded near Sandy Hollow (F7) Nov 2 (BRG).

White-winged Triller Lalage sueurii ID No: 430 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Summer migrant. Eight birds were recorded at Bolwarra Oct 15 (TAH) and 6+ birds at Waitui Sep 30/Oct 2 (HBOC). 1-5 birds were moderately often recorded throughout the Region during Sep-Dec. Birds were nesting at Hexham Swamp N.R. Jan 3 (LIA) and Bolwarra Oct (TAH), and had dependent young at Bolwarra Dec (TAH).

Varied Triller Lalage leucomela ID No: 431 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: None recorded Status: Local resident. Single birds were recorded at Copeland Common Mar 19/20 (HBOC) and Harrington Sep 30 and Oct 2 (STA, NEM). Two birds were at Harrington Dec 10/11 (VEE).

Olive-backed Oriole Oriolus sagittatus ID No: 671 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Usual resident. Widely and often recorded as counts of 1-5 birds. Notable records: 20 birds were recorded at Tuncurry (R6) Nov 2 (THR), and 6+ birds at Apple Tree Flat Jun 10/12 and Milbrodale (I9) Oct 22 (both HBOC). There were several breeding records over Oct-Nov.

Figbird Sphecotheres viridis ID No: 432 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident. Moderately often recorded in the E of the Region, especially at locations near to the coast, as counts of up to 20 birds. Notable records: 100+ birds were recorded in the Harrington area Dec 1/3 (OCG) and 20-30+ birds at Islington (M10) Jul 5 (CLT), Mayfield (M10) Jul 6 (CLT) and Tuncurry (R6) Nov 2 (THR). There were ten nests at two locations in BBNP late Dec (TUD).

White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorynchus ID No: 543 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common summer migrant (Revised from: Summer migrant). Frequently recorded at or near medium to large fresh waters in the E of the Region over Jan-Apr and from mid-Aug onwards as counts of up to 20 birds. Notable records: 21-30+ birds were recorded at TWC Jan 4 (KEM) and Pambalong N.R. Mar 11 (HLC). Birds were nest building at Seaham Swamp N.R. Sep 24 (HBOC) and were on nests at SBS Nov 22 (HLC), Pambalong N.R. Dec 10 (HBOC) and Ash Island Dec 13 (MOA).

Masked Woodswallow Artamus personatus ID No: 544 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: Past records Status: Rare irruptive visitor (Revised from: Uncommon summer migrant). Not recorded since 1995.

White-browed Woodswallow Artamus superciliosus ID No: 545 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: Past records Status: Rare irruptive visitor (Revised from: Uncommon summer migrant). Not recorded since 1996.

Dusky Woodswallow Artamus cyanopterus ID No: 547 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Summer migrant, and some birds are present all year (Revised from: Uncertain). Occasionally but widely recorded as counts of 1-10 birds, mainly over Jan-Mar and Sep-Dec. Notable records: 100+ birds were recorded at Bulga May 21 (VEE). 6+ birds were present at Wingen Apr 18 (NEG), and there were winter records of two birds at Apple Tree Flat Jun 10/12 (HBOC) and some birds (numbers not noted) at Johnsons Hill MLNP (P7) Aug 6 (NEM). Birds had dependent young at Tomalpin S.F. (K9) Jan 29 (HBOC) and were nesting at Sandy Hollow (F7) and Jerrys Plains Oct 28 (HLC).

Little Woodswallow Artamus minor ID No: 548 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Accidental (recorded in 1987). No reports received for 2000.

Grey Butcherbird Cracticus torquatus ID No: 702 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common resident. Widely and regularly recorded as counts of 1-5 birds. Notable records: Birds were nesting at Pipers Bay (R6) Oct 6 (TUD) and Milbrodale (I9) Oct 22 (HBOC), and were feeding fledged young at Pambalong N.R. Dec 10 (HBOC).

Pied Butcherbird Cracticus nigrogularis ID No: 700 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Usual resident. Widely and often recorded as counts of 1-5 birds. Notable records: 6+ birds were recorded at Kars Springs (F4) Sep 18 (NEG) and Waitui Sep 30/Oct 2 (HBOC). A bird was on nest at Seaham Swamp N.R. Sep 24 (HBOC).

Australian Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen ID No: 705 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common resident. Widely and regularly recorded as counts of up to 20 birds, and occasionally as 21-50 birds especially during Mar-Aug. Notable records: 50 + birds were recorded in the Harrington area Dec 1/3 (OCG), and 32 birds at Dungog Mar 20 (JED). There were many breeding records, spanning Jan and Sep-Nov.

Pied Currawong Strepera graculina ID No: 694 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common resident (and altitudinal migrant). Widely and regularly recorded as counts of up to 20 birds. Notable records: 100+ birds were recorded at Apple Tree Flat Jun 10/12 (HBOC), 60+ birds at East Maitland Apr 10 (ROS), 50 birds at Telegherry Forest Park (M6) Jun 10 (TAN) and 47 birds at Singleton Sep 7 (ALP). Birds were on nest at Milbrodale (I9) Oct 22 (HBOC) and Battery Rocks Oct 27 (MOA), and were feeding a young Channel-billed Cuckoo Scythrops novaehollandiae at Rathmines (L11) Jan 1 (LIA).

Grey Currawong Strepera versicolor ID No: 697 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Uncertain. Not recorded since 1997.

Paradise Riflebird Ptiloris paradiseus ID No: 686 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: None recorded Status: Uncommon resident (Revised from: Rare). Single birds (where numbers were noted) were recorded at Sharpes Creek (M5) Jan 16 (BEA), Main Creek (M8) Mar 12 (RUR via JED), Copeland Tops Mar 17 (BAA), Copeland S.F. Mar 20 (HBOC), Gloucester Tops late Apr (COL), Main Creek May 13 (LIN), Mountaineer Trail (L5/M5) Nov 26 (BAA), and Problem Creek (M6) Nov 27 (JED), and at five different sites in Barrington Tops N.P. Nov 25 (BAA).

Australian Raven Corvus coronoides ID No: 930 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common resident. Widely and regularly recorded as counts of up to 20 birds and occasionally as counts of up to 50 birds. Notable records: There were no exceptions to the general description of status.

Forest Raven Corvus tasmanicus ID No: 868 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: Past records Status: Local resident. Single birds were recorded at Bombah Point MLNP (P8) Apr 30 (TAN) and Mungo Brush MLNP (P8) May 25 (CDB).

Little Raven Corvus mellori ID No: 954 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: None recorded Status: Local resident. An estimated 20 birds were recorded near Scone (H5) Jun 29 (NEG).

Torresian Crow Corvus orru ID No: 692 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident. 50+ birds were recorded in the Harrington area Dec 1/3 (OCG) and 20+ birds at Waitui Sep 30/Oct 2 (HBOC). 6-20 birds were at Waitui Apr 15 (OCG), Brimbin N.R. (R4) May 20 (OCG), Harrington Sep 30 (STA) and Bootawa (Q4) Nov 27/28 (OCG). 1-5 birds at Copeland Common Mar 19/20 (HBOC), LTP Apr 4 (KEM), Seaham (M8) Apr 24 (VEE) and Gloucester Tops late Apr (COL).

White-winged Chough Corcorax melanorhamphos ID No: 693 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Usual resident. Often recorded in the central and W parts of the Region, and occasionally in the E, mostly as counts of 6-20 birds. Notable records: 80 birds were recorded near Jerrys Plains May 14 (TAH), and 21-50 birds at Singleton Mar 18 (JED), Seaham (M8) Apr 24 (VEE), Apple Tree Flat Jun 10/12 (HBOC), Singleton Army Range (J8) Jul 26 (HSE). Birds were on nest at Milbrodale (I9) Oct 22 (HBOC) and had a nest with young at Apple Tree Flat Sep 29/Oct 2 (HSE).

Green Catbird Ailuroedus crassirostris ID No: 676 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident. 1-2 birds, where numbers were noted, were recorded at Chichester Dam (M6) Feb 2/4 (MVBW), Tabbil Forest (M7) Feb 26 (HBOC), Copeland Common Mar 19/20 (HBOC), Copeland S.F. Mar 20 (HBOC), Congewai (J10) May 21 (HBOC), Waitui Sep 30/Oct 2 (HBOC) and Harrington Dec 1/3 (OCG).

Regent Bowerbird Sericulus chrysocephalus ID No: 684 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Past records Status: Resident. 1-5 birds were occasionally recorded in the E and central parts of the Region. 6+ birds were at Copeland S.F. Mar 20 (HBOC) and Saltwater (R4) Mar 2 (MVBW).

Satin Bowerbird Ptilonorhynchus violaceus ID No: 679 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Usual resident. Widely and often recorded as counts of up to 20 birds. Notable records: 20+ birds were recorded at Apple Tree Flat Jun 10/12 (HBOC), Summer Hill (L8) Oct 1 (CLT) and Waitui Sep 30/Oct 2 (HBOC). Birds were breeding at Balickera Oct 2 (BAA).

Singing Bushlark Mirafra javanica ID No: 648 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: None recorded Status: Rare. Three birds were recorded 7km east of Wollar Oct 27 (NEG).

Skylark Alauda arvensis ID No: 993 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: None recorded Status: Accidental (Revised from: Rare). Not recorded since 1996.

Richard's Pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae ID No: 647 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Usual resident. Widely and moderately often recorded, mostly as counts of 1-5 birds. Notable records: Six birds were recorded at Redhead Jun 2 & 16 (GJC).

Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava ID No: 877 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Uncertain (revised from: Accidental). A single bird was recorded at Ash Island on Feb 9 (ROS). A bird was again there Feb 20 (LAT), and often thereafter until last recorded Apr 1. Occasionally a second, somewhat paler bird was also observed to be present. As with the 1998 occurrence of this species at Ash Island, much interest was generated locally and nationally. The birds were often elusive to observers, raising the possibility that visits may be more regular but that the birds are overlooked.

Black-backed Wagtail Motacilla lugens ID No: 781 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Accidental (recorded in 1998). No reports received for 2000.

House Sparrow Passer domesticus ID No: 995 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Usual resident. Frequently recorded at or near populated areas as counts of up to 50 birds. Notable records: 50+ birds were recorded in the Harrington area Dec 1/3 (OCG).

Zebra Finch Taeniopygia guttata ID No: 653 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident (Revised from: Uncommon resident). Moderately often recorded in the central and W of the Region as counts of up to 20 birds, and occasionally in the E of the Region as counts of up to 10 birds. 20+ birds were frequently recorded at Arrowfield, with counts often being of 40+ birds and peaking at 100+ birds May 10 (ALP). 70+ birds were at Denman May 10 (GED) and Apple Tree Flat Jun 10/12 (HBOC). 21-50 birds were recorded at KI Apr 23 and May 20 (TAN, HWS), Martindale (G7) Apr 22 and Jun 29 (TAH), Jerrys Plains Sep 10 (VEE) and Apple Tree Flat Sep 29/Oct 2 (HSE). 20+ pairs were on nests at Arrowfield during Jan (ALP), and birds were nest building at Apple Tree Flat Sep 29/Oct 2 (HSE).

Double-barred Finch Taeniopygia bichenovii ID No: 655 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident. Widely and moderately often recorded as counts of up to 20 birds. Notable records: 100+ birds were recorded at Apple Tree Flat Sep 29/Oct 2 (HSE), and 50+ birds there Jun 10/12 and at Copeland Common Mar 19/20 (both HBOC). 21-50 birds were at Martindale (G7) Apr 22 (TAH), Wongalee (H8) Oct 22 (OCG) and Bootawa (Q4) Nov 27/28 (OCG). Birds were nest building at Apple Tree Flat Sep 29/Oct 2 (HSE).

Plum-headed Finch Neochmia modesta ID No: 661 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: Past records Status: Rare. Not recorded since 1996.

Red-browed Finch Neochmia temporalis ID No: 662 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common resident. Widely and regularly recorded as counts of up to 20 birds, and moderately often as counts of up to 50 birds. Notable records: 100+ birds were recorded at Apple Tree Flat Sep 29/Oct 2 (HSE), and 51-100 birds at Awabakal N.R. Jun 3 (GJC), WWW Jun 25 (HBOC) and Waitui Sep 30/Oct 2 (HBOC). Birds were nesting at Copeland Common Mar 19/20 and Jesmond (M10) Dec 5, and had dependent young at Tahlee/Carrington (O8) Jan 23 (all HBOC). A bird was released after being caught in a cobweb at Rathmines (L11) Jan 1 (HLC).

Diamond Firetail Stagonopleura guttata ID No: 652 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident. 1-5 birds were moderately often recorded in the W of the Region. 15 birds were at Yengo N.P. (H9) Jun (ROM), and nine birds (4 adults & 5 juveniles) at Bulga Sep 10 (VEE).

Nutmeg Mannikin Lonchura punctulata ID No: 983 HBOC Category: 3 Regional Breeding Status: Past records Status: Accidental (last recorded in 1991) No confirmed records.

Chestnut-breasted Mannikin Lonchura castaneothorax ID No: 657 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Uncommon resident. 50+ birds were recorded at SBS Jun 3 (HSE). Flocks of up to ten birds were at TWC Jan 30 (CBOC), Balickera Apr 23 (HSE), Harrington May 4 (MVBW), KI May 20, Jun 17 and Oct 14 (HWS), Warabrook (M10) Jun 1 (HSE) and Tarro Swamp Sep 17 (GIK).

European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis ID No: 996 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Local resident. An estimated 30 birds were recorded at Bolwarra Feb (TAH). 1-2 birds were at TWC Jan 4 (KEM), Martindale (G7) Apr 22 (TAH) and KI Oct 14 & 23 (HWS, LAT).

Mistletoebird Dicaeum hirundinaceum ID No: 564 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Usual resident. Widely and frequently recorded as counts of 1-5 birds, and occasionally as counts of up to 20 birds. Notable records: There were no exceptions to the general description of status.

White-backed Swallow Cheramoeca leucosternus ID No: 358 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: Past records Status: Bird of passage. Four birds were recorded at Martindale (G7) Nov 17 and three birds there Oct 28 (TAH). Three birds were at Denman Apr 21 (STA), two birds at Howes Valley May 23 (NBL) and a single bird at Bulga May 30 (LIA).

Welcome Swallow Hirundo neoxena ID No: 357 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common resident. Widely and regularly recorded as counts of up to 20 birds, and as counts of up to 50 birds near medium to large waters. Notable records: 100+ birds were recorded at Hexham Swamp N.R. Jan 3 (LIA), Pambalong N.R. Mar 11 (HLC), KI Apr 23 and Sep 11 (TAN, HWS), TWC Jul 9 (TAN) and Ash Island Dec 9 (HWS), and there were ten records of 51-100 birds. Birds had nests with young at TWC Nov 23 (ROD) and The Ruins BBNP Oct 17 (TUD).

Tree Martin Hirundo nigricans ID No: 359 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident. Occasionally but widely recorded as counts of up to 20 birds. Notable records: 100+ birds were recorded at Woodberry (M9) Jan 6 (SJR), Bulga Apr 16 and Raymond Terrace (M9) Apr 24 (both VEE). 51-100 birds were at Bolwarra STP Feb (TAH), Bayswater Colliery Sep 8 and Upper Dartbrook Rd (H5) Sep 18 (both NEG), and 21-50 birds at Pambalong N.R. Mar 11 (HLC), Wingen Apr 18 (NEG) and Ash Island Oct 14 (HWS). Birds were on nest at Seaham Swamp N.R. Sep 24 (HBOC).

Fairy Martin Hirundo ariel ID No: 360 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Summer migrant; some birds appear to be resident. Frequently recorded at medium to large waters in the E and central parts of the Region from Jan to mid-Mar and from early Aug onwards, as counts of up to 20 birds. Notable records: 110 birds were recorded at Hexham Swamp N.R. Jan 3 (LIA) and 90+ birds at Bootawa (Q4) Feb 12 (WIT). 21-50 birds were at TWC Jan 4 (KEM), Cattai Creek Bridge (R4) Sep 30 (STA), Ash Island Oct 14 (HWS), Fullerton Cove Oct 14 (HWS), Merriwa (E5) Nov 16 (MOA), Bulga Swamp (I9) Nov 16 (MOA). Winter records were of 1-5 birds at Congewai (J10) May 21 (HBOC), TWC Jul 9 (TAN), Swan Bay Jul 22 (LIA), and 11 birds at WWW May 6 (TAN). Birds were nesting at TWC Jan 4, Cattai Creek Bridge Sep 30, Yengo Creek Road (I10) Sep 30 and Battery Rocks Oct 4 (both BAA).

Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus ID No: 990 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: None recorded Status: Local resident. 10+ birds were recorded at Swansea South Jun 11 (MOA) and a pair there Sep 21/22 (ADJ). Two birds were at Belmont Swamp Nov (LAK) and some birds there Dec 4 (BAA). Some birds were also at Bolwarra Wetlands Apr 10 (BPS).

Clamorous Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus stentoreus ID No: 524 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Usual summer migrant; some birds are resident. Widely and often recorded near medium to large waters during Jan-Apr and Sep-Dec as counts of up to 10 birds. Notable records: Birds had dependent young at TWC Jan 4 (KEM) and also were nesting at Harrington Sep 7/10 (MVBW).

Tawny Grassbird Megalurus timoriensis ID No: 523 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Resident. Occasionally recorded near medium to large waters in the E of the Region as counts of 1-5 birds. Notable records: Some birds were nesting at Boondelbah Island Mar 23 (BAA).

Little Grassbird Megalurus gramineus ID No: 522 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes (Revised) Status: Resident. Occasionally recorded near medium to large waters in the E of the Region as counts of 1-2 birds. Notable records: Some birds were nesting at Boondelbah Island Mar 23 (BAA) – this is the first confirmed breeding record for the Region for at least 15 years.

Rufous Songlark Cincloramphus mathewsi ID No: 509 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Summer migrant in central/west of Region. Pairs were recorded at Bulga Sep 10 (VEE), Ridgelands Road (F5) Sep 18 (NEG), Apple Tree Flat Sep 29/Oct 2 (HSE) and Lake Liddell (H7) Oct 26 (NEG), and single birds at White Box Camp Oct 27 and Wingen Oct 28 (NEG).

Brown Songlark Cincloramphus cruralis ID No: 508 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Uncertain. No reports received for 2000.

Golden-headed Cisticola Cisticola exilis ID No: 525 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Usual resident. Often recorded in the E of the Region as counts of up to 20 birds. Notable records: 50+ birds were recorded on Broughton Island (P8) early Jan (HLC).

Silvereye Zosterops lateralis ID No: 574 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common resident and winter migrant. Widely and regularly recorded all year as counts of up to 50 birds, and as counts of up to 100 birds in the E of the Region during Apr – mid-May and mid-Jun – Jul. Notable records: 100+ birds were recorded at Belmont Swamp May (LAK) and Salt Ash Jul 18 (ANC). 50+ birds were at Belmont Swamp Feb (LAK) and Waitui Sep 30/Oct 2 (HBOC). Birds had dependent young at Rathmines (L11) Feb 13 (HLC).

THRUSH SPECIES Both Zoothera species occur in the Hunter Region, but field identification is difficult. In addition to the reports detailed below, three unidentified birds were recorded at Gloucester Tops Mar 1 (BAR) and a single unidentified bird at Main Creek (M8) Feb 6 (JED).

Bassian Thrush Zoothera lunulata ID No: 779 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: None recorded Status: Uncertain. 1-2 birds were recorded at Chichester Dam (M6) Feb 2/4 (MVBW), Barrington House Feb 5 (ANC), Copeland S.F. Mar 20 (HBOC), Telegherry Forest Park (M6) Jun 10 (TAN), Gloucester Tops Oct 6 (NEM) and Jerusalem Creek (M6) Nov 27 (JED).

Russet-tailed Thrush Zoothera heinei ID No: 780 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: Yes (Revised) Status: Uncertain. 1-2 birds were recorded at Sharpes Creek (M5) Jan 16 (BEA), Barrington House Feb 5 (ANC), Gloucester Tops late Apr and Oct 6 (COL, NEM). One bird at Gloucester Tops Oct 6 was a dependent young – this is the first confirmed breeding record for the Region.

Common Blackbird Turdus merula ID No: 991 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: Yes (Revised) Status: Rare. At least six birds were at Apple Tree Flat Sep 29/Oct 2 (HSE), Single birds were recorded at East Maitland Jul 12 (SMJ), TWC early Oct (BAW) and Wallsend (L10) Oct 17 (HAG). A pair had a nest with 2 young at Maitland Dec 1 (HOK/WCR) – this is the first confirmed breeding record for the Region.

Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris ID No: 999 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Common resident. Widely and frequently recorded as counts of up to 100 birds. Notable records: 200+ birds were recorded at Jerrys Plains Feb 28 (ALP), and 100-200 birds at Hexham Swamp N.R. Jan 3 and Jul 19 (LIA) and Belmont Swamp Feb (LAK) and often at Ash Island over Oct-Dec (HWS, MOA). Birds had nests with young at Ash Island Nov 30 and Pambalong N.R. Dec 16/17 (MOA).

Common Myna Acridotheres tristis ID No: 998 HBOC Category: 1 Regional Breeding Status: Yes Status: Usual resident. Widely and often recorded as counts of up to 20 birds, and as counts of up to 50 birds in the E of the Region Notable records: Around 20 birds were near Kerrabee (D7) Apr 16 (GED) – this is a far western record. Birds were nesting at Shoal Bay (P9) early Feb (LAK).

SUPPLEMENTARY RECORDS

The records below have been accepted by HBOC's Records Appraisal Committee:

Streaked Shearwater Calonectris leucomelas ID No: 853 The March 2000 sighting is not the first record of this species for the Hunter Region. A bird, which later died, was found at Blacksmiths Beach Jan 24 1984. The skin is at the Australian Museum.

Wilson’s Storm-Petrel Oceanites oceanicus ID No: 063 A single bird was recorded off Hallidays Point (R5) Oct 8, 1999 (ALP). This was reported as an unconfirmed observation in the 1999 Bird Report.

Eastern Reef Egret Egretta sacra ID No: 191 Single birds were recorded at Little Gibber MLNP (Q7) Jan 1998 and Dudley Beach (M10) Aug 1999 (ROM).

Glossy Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus lathami ID No: 265 A pair was nesting at Dingo Creek Wollemi N.P. Sep 1994 (ROM).

Little Friarbird Philemon citreogularis ID No: 646 Birds were nesting at Ashtonfield (L9) in the summers of 1993-1995 (ROM).

UNCONFIRMED RECORDS

The records below could not be accepted by HBOC's Records Appraisal Committee for inclusion into the main body of the Report because of insufficient description being available at the time of printing. The records are presented here for completeness; future Reports will advise of any which subsequently are accepted.

Tahiti Petrel Pseudobulweria rostrata ID No: 920 A single bird was reported from 10 km SE of Port Stephens Oct 18.

Fairy Prion Pachyptila turtur ID No: 083 There were eight records, spanning Apr-Aug, of birds having been treated by Native Animal Trust Fund.

Wandering Albatross Diomedea exulans ID No: 086 HBOC Category: 2 Regional Breeding Status: No Status: Uncommon winter migrant at >5 km from shore. (New to list). Birds found at Fingal Bay (P9) Mar 3 and Stockton Beach Jul 2 were reported to have been treated by Native Animal Trust Fund.

Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos ID No: 978 A single bird was reported to be at Ash Island Feb 5.

Sooty Tern Sterna fuscata ID No: 120 A bird found inland at Stroud (N7) was reported to have been treated by Native Animal Trust Fund Feb 8.

Superb Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus superbus ID No: 023 A single bird was reported to be at Gloucester Tops late Apr.

Barking Owl Ninox connivens ID No: 246 Single birds were reported to be at Raymond Terrace (M9) Jun 3 and Balickera Nov 6.

Forest Kingfisher Todiramphus macleayii ID No: 324 Four pairs were reported to have been nesting near Simpsons Hill MLNP during Jan 1998.

Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater Acanthagenys rufogularis ID No: 640 Two birds were reported to be at Giants Creek Road (F6) Apr 10 and Oct 20.

Satin Flycatcher Myiagra cyanoleuca ID No: 366 1-2 birds were reported to be at Taylors Beach (O9) Jan 13, Tabbil Forest (M7) Feb 26, Salt Ash Sep 23, Newcastle University Oct 3, Drayton Mine (H6) Oct 19, Belmont Swamp Oct 20, Fishers Hill Drive (L8) Nov 25, Bootawa (Q4) Nov 27/28, Jesmond (M10) Dec 5 and Wingham (Q4) Dec 8.

Nutmeg Mannikin Lonchura punctulata ID No: 983 Some birds were reported to be at Chatham (Q4) during Aug.

CORRECTIONS AND CHANGES

In the 1999 Report, it was noted that the area named as Cedar Hill Drive swamp in previous Reports had been gazetted as the Pourmalong Nature Reserve. In fact, a last minute change occurred and it was instead gazetted as the Pambalong Nature Reserve. This latter name has now been adopted in this and the future Bird Reports. ESCAPEES

The species below were recorded in the Region during the year, but are considered to be aviary escapees rather than part of a self-sustaining wild population: Superb Parrot Polytelus swainsonii ID No: 277 A juvenile was recorded at Toronto (L11) during Apr (HLJ).

Pale-headed Rosella Platycercus adscitus ID No: 286 A single bird was recorded at TWC Jan 4 (KEM), and a male bird there Jul 30 with a female Eastern Rosella P. eximius inspecting hollows (BAW). Two birds were at Jesmond (M10) Dec 5 (HBOC).

Australian Ringneck Barnardius zonarius ID No: 294 Single birds of race zonarius were recorded at Belmont Jul 6 (ANC) and North Arm Cove Jul 30 (WED), and of race barnardi at Charlestown Jun 30 (ANC). Single birds were also recorded at Forster Feb 19 and Oct 28 (MVBW).

Red-capped Parrot Purpureicephalus spurius ID No: 290 A single bird was recorded at North Arm Cove Jul 31 (WED), and a single male bird at Redhead March 9, Nov 26 and Dec 6 & 24 (GJC).

Eurasian Magpie Pica pica ID No: N/A A single adult bird was present at Liddell power station (I7) all year until September, scavenging in gardens (HAP). The same or another bird was recorded in Newcastle (the suburb of Carrington) on Oct 20 (SDI). Both birds were photographed and the identification was confirmed. It is suspected that the bird(s) had a ship-assisted passage to Australia.

LOCATION ABBREVIATIONS The following abbreviations for locations within the Hunter Region have been used:

BBNP Booti Booti National Park N.P. National Park BbR Blackbutt Reserve N.R. Nature Reserve GRNP Goulburn River National Park NWR Newcastle Wetlands Reserve HRBG Hunter Region Botanic Gardens SBS Stockton Borehole Swamp KI Kooragang Island S.F. State Forest KINR Kooragang Island Nature S.R.A. State Recreation Area Reserve TWC The Wetlands Centre, Shortland LTP Lemon Tree Passage STP Sewage Treatment Plant MLNP Myall Lakes National Park WWW Walka Water Works NLH New Lambton Heights

GRID REFERENCES FOR COMMON LOCATIONS Recorders visit many common locations regularly, and it would be repetitious to cite their grid references every time that they are mentioned in the Report. Grid references for commonly visited locations are: Aberdare S.F. K10 John Brown’s Lagoon L10 Apple Tree Flat H8 Kooragang Island M10 Arrowfield H7 Laguna I10 Ash Island M10 Lemon Tree Passage (LTP) O9 Awabakal N. R. M10/11 Maitland L9 Balickera M9 Market Swamp M10 Barrington House L5 Morpeth L9 Battery Rocks E6 Newcastle M10 Bayswater Colliery H6 Newcastle Wetlands Reserve M10 Belmont Swamp & Lagoon M11 New Lambton Heights M10 Blackbutt Reserve (BbR) M10 Oyster Cove N9 Bolwarra L9 Pokolbin J9 Boondelbah Island P9 Pambalong N.R. L10 Booti Booti N.P. (BBNP) R6 Quorrobolong K10 Broke I9 Redhead M11 Broughton Island P8 Salt Ash N9 Bulga I8 Seaham Swamp N. R. M8 Cabbage Tree Island P9 Seal Rocks R7 Cessnock K9/K10 Tarro M9 Clarencetown M8 The Wetlands Centre (TWC) M10 Denman G7 Singleton I8/J8 Dungog M7 Stockton M10 Copeland Common N4 Stockton Borehole Swamp (SBS) L10 Copeland Forest Preserve M4/M5 Swan Bay N9 Copeland Tops State Forest M4 Swansea, Swansea South L11 Ellalong & Ellalong Lagoon J10 University of Newcastle M10 Forster R6 Vacy L8 Glenrock SRA M10 Waitui R3 Gloucester Tops M5/L5 Walka Water Works (WWW) L9 Grahamstown Dam M9 Wallingat S.F. Q6/Q7 Harrington S4 Watagans S.F. & N.P. K11 Hawks Nest P8/P9 White Box Camp (in GRNP) C6 Hexham Swamp N.R. L10/M10 Wingen H4 Howes Valley H10 Wingham Brush Q4 Hunter Region Botanic Gardens M9 Wyee Point L11 Jerrys Plains H7

OBSERVER CODES Although not all reporters are specifically cited in the main body of the Report, every observation by every observer was important for the analyses that were made. We gratefully acknowledge the contributions from ALL those listed below. Observers are identified by codes which are made up of letters from the names of the persons or organisations concerned. Where two or more observers have the same alphabetical code, a numeral has been added to the code to provide a discrete identification. ADJ Jack Adams FOC Reported in NSW Field ALP Peter Alexander Ornithologists Club newsletter ANC Craig Anderson FON Neville Foster BAA Birds Australia Atlas survey FRP Paul Freeman BAR Richard Baxter FTI Ted, Irma Felton BAS Birds Australia surveys GED David Geering BAW Wilma Barden GEP Peter George BEA Allan Benson GIK Ken Gibson BIA Birding-Australia (Internet group) GJC John, Cynthia Grebert BIS Sue Bilson GOC Colin Goodenough BLM Max Blanch GOD Darryl Goldrick BPS Class 5A, Bolwarra Public GOP Peter Gordon School GRN Neil Granter BRE E Bradbury HAG G Harrison BRG Grant Brosie HAA Andrew Hamonet BRK Keith Brandwood HAP Phil Hansbro BMA Marie Burgoyne HID Dennis Hirst CPR Ross, Pat Carlton HLJ Les, Joyce Hewson CBOC Reported in Cumberland HSE Sue, Ed Hamonet Bird Observers Club HBOC Observation from an HBOC newsletter outing or camp CCFO Central Coast FOC Group HLC Liz, Chris Herbert C HOK Keith Howard CJB John, Beth Cockerell HTH Hunter Thickheads CLT Tom Clarke (Twitchathon) CDB Dick, Barbara Cooper HWS HBOC Wader Surveys COL Laurie Conole JAM Mavis Jackson DUP Pam Durie JED Dick Jenkin DUV Virginia DuBowy JOF Faith Jones EKP Peter Ekert JUT Trevor Jurd FIM Mark Fidler KIG G Kiem KEM Michael Kearns KES Simon Kennedy

LAK Keith Laverick ROM Michael Roderick LAM Marie Langdown ROP P Roberts LAT Terry Langworthy ROS Steven Roderick LIA Ann Lindsey RSU Sue Rostas LIG Greg Little RUR Ros Runciman LIM Marion Little SAD Des Samways LIT Terry Lindsey SDI Dick Sanders LPC Paddy, Caryl Lightfoot SMH Hannah Smith MAL Lesley Marshall SMJ James Smart MAM Max Maddock SJR Judith, Rowley Smith MDV Don, Val Moon STA Alan Stuart MEJ Jenny Meynell STJ Jeanette Stephenson MOA Alan Morris STP Phil Straw MOJ John Moyse TAN Nick Talbot MJK J & K Musicka TAH Harold Tarrant MVBW Reported in newsletter of TBW Reported in newsletter of the Manning Valley the Tamworth Birdwatchers Birdwatchers THG G Thomson NATF Record from Native Animal THR Ross Thomson Trust Fund TOL Len Tolhurst NBL Reported to the NSW BirdLine TUD David Turner NEG Greg Newling VEE Edwin Vella NEM Mike Newman WAR Rosemary Waymark NIJ Joy Nicholls WCN Reported in The Wetlands Centre newsletter OCG Graeme O'Connor WCR Observation reported to PAP Philip Paterson The Wetlands Centre POP Pat Pountney WED D Weatherley PRD Dorothy Pritchard WEJ Judy Westphal RAP Phil Rankin WIT Ted Wilson RDB Dorothy, Bob Raine WMR Marian, Ray Walker ROD Diane Rogers

DEFINITION OF THE HUNTER REGION The map below indicates the boundaries for the Hunter Region, with grid lines for latitude and longitude in 10-minute divisions. The cells created by the grid pattern have unique alpha-numeric identifiers, which have been used in the Report to indicate the approximate locations for the reported observations.